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Heidelberg  catechism  : 
a  short  history  of 
the  Heidelberg  Catechism 


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HEIDELBERG 


CATECHISM 


* 


A  Short  History  of  the  Heidelberg  Catechism, 
Introduction,  Tercentenary  Text,  Selected  Bible  Passages, 
Suitable-  Hymns  and  Selections  from  the  ~ 
Scriptures. 


25 


* 


■ 


r*v 


CENTRAL  PUBLISHING  HOUSK 
CLEVELANa  O. 


REVISED  EDITION. 
Copyrighted  1907. 


A  Short  History  of  the  Heidelberg 
Catechism. 

Tn  the  year  1559  Frederic  III,  surnamed  the 
■"■  Pious,  became  elector  of  the  Palatinate,  a  coun- 
try on  the  upper  Rhine.  He  found,  on  his  acces- 
sion, great  confusion  and  excitement  on  account 
of  the  doctrine  of  the  holy  Communion;  one 
party  was  inclined  to  the  Lutheran,  the  other,  to 
the  Reformed  view.  In  fact  the  doctrine  of  the 
Lord's  Supper  gave  rise,  at  that  time,  to  violent 
contentions  throughout  Germany.  For  after  Lu- 
ther's death  (1546)  a  large  number  of  evangelical 
theologians  would  recognize  only  those  doctrines 
as  Lutheran,  which  Luther  had  delivered  against 
Reformed  doctrine,  but  ignored  what  he  had 
taught  before  and  besides  in  a  milder  spirit.  They 
considered  themselves  the  true  Lutherans  and 
contended  sharply  against  all  who  differed  in 
doctrine.  Melanchthon,  who  lived  to  1560,  and 
the  theologians  in  touch  with  him,  did  not  ap- 
prove of  this,  and  so  a  controversy  arose,  which 
led  many  to  more  diligent  research  and  convinced 
them  that  according  to  the  Scriptures  the  Re- 
formed was  the  true  doctrine. 

This  was  true  of  the  Palatinate  also.     Elector 
Frederic,  who  took  the  greatest  inheres*  in  mat- 
3 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

ters  pertaining  to  God's  kingdom,  had  experi- 
enced the  power  of  the  Gospel  in  his  heart.  He 
diligently  studied  the  Bible  and  theological  writ- 
ings,  and  after  a  public  disputation  of  five  days, 
which  took  place  in  Heidelberg  in  1560,  he  de- 
clared himself  in  favor  of  the  Reformed  doc- 
trine. 

He  introduced  the  Reformed  order  of  worship 
throughout  his  country  and  abolished  the  pic- 
tures, crucifixes,  candles  and  altars  from  the 
churches.  He  also  introduced  a  simple  and  sober 
form  of  worship  in  place  of  unbiblical  pomp  and 
substituted  German  psalms  for  the  still  custom- 
ary Latin  hymns. 

Then  he  directed  his  attention  to  the  doctrine, 
for  he  knew  very  well,  that  much  depended  upon 
pure  doctrine,  even  more  than  upon  pure  worship. 
He,  therefore,  instructed  two  pious  theologians  to 
prepare  a  catechism  that  could  be  understood  by 
the  people;  that  would  be  free  from  human 
opinions  and  an  alive  and  clear  witness  to  true 
Christianity.  These  two  men  were  Olevianus 
and  Ursinus. 

Caspar  Olevianus  was  born  at  Treves  and 
had  studied  in  the  law-schools  of  France.  When 
on  a  pleasure  trip  in  a  boat,  he  met  with  an  acci- 
dent and  was  in  great  danger  of  drowning.  He 
was  awakened  and  made  a  solemn  vow  that  he 
would  make  a  full  surrender  to  the  Lord  if  he 
should  be  saved.  The  Lord  helped  him,  and 
4 


A  Short  History. 

Olevianus  kept  his  vow.  He  went  to  Switzerland 
and  studied  in  Geneva,  Lausanne  and  Zurich. 
When  twenty-three  years  old  he  returned  to 
Treves  and  was  appointed  a  teacher  of  Latin. 
As  he  found  the  whole  city  still  in  Roman  Catho- 
lic superstition,  he  could  not  remain  quiet  but 
preached  the  Gospel  with  great  power.  A  perse- 
cution arose  against  him  and  the  authorities  put 
him  into  prison. 

Elector  Frederick  III  released  him  from  prison 
and  appointed  him  court-preacher  in  Heidelberg. 
His  trustful  faith  is  disclosed  in  his  last  words 
which  he  spoke  in  the  hour  of  his  death.  When 
asked  by  his  associates,  whether  he  was  certain 
of  his  salvation  as  he  bad  taught  others  that  they 
must  be,  he  replied :  "Certissimus,"  that  is,  most 
certainly,  and  then  expired. 

Zacharias  Ursinus  was  born  at  Breslau.  He 
had  studied  at  Wittenberg  with  Melanchthon  and 
completed  his  studies  under  Calvin  in  Switzer- 
land. He  was  so  thorough  in  his  studies,  that, 
when  doubts  as  to  the  doctrine  of  election  had 
arisen  in  his  mind,  he  immediately  began  to  read 
the  Bible  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  for  the 
purpose  of  gaining  a  firm  conviction.  The  Lord 
permitted  him  to  gain  a  thorough  understanding 
of  this  doctrine,  which  he  taught  to  the  end  of 
his  life. 

After  the  completion  of  his  studies  he  was 
first  called  to  Breslau,  his  native  city,  as  teacher 
5 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

of  theology.  He  fell  into  disfavor,  however, 
when  it  was  found  that  he  adhered  to  the  teach- 
ings of  Calvin.  In  the  year  1560  Elector  Frederic 
called  him  to  Heidelberg  as  professor  of  theol- 
ogy. 

In  a  letter  he  once  gave  the  following  clear 
testimony  as  to  his  faith.  "If  you  think  that  it 
cannot  be  said  definitely  of  anyone  that  he  will 
be  saved,  you  are  right  if  you  speak  of  others. 
But  in  reference  to  oneself  or  one's  own  con- 
science and  one's  own  conviction  concerning 
himself,  this  is  horrible,  godless,  devilish,  blas- 
phemous; it  subverts  the  whole  ground  of  sal- 
vation. 

"Whoever  taught  you  this,  taught  you  like  a 
devil,  even  if  he  had  come  from  heaven.  Yes,  I 
will  tell  you  more:  If  you  are  not  certain  before 
the  end  of  your  life,  that  you  will  be  an  heir  of 
life  eternal,  you  will  not  be  after  this  life,  which 
God  forbid!" 

With  the  aid  of  these  two  men  Elector  Fred- 
eric prepared  the  Heidelberg  Catechism.  The 
first  edition  was  published  in  the  spring  of  the 
year  1563. 

The  catechism  shows  on  the  face  of  it  that  it 
is  no  dry  schoolbook  written  by  learned  men  and 
philosophers  who  stake  everything  on  their  meth- 
ods and  forms,  but  a  book  of  the  heart  and  exper- 
ience. 

It,  therefore,  has  no  philosophical  introduction 


A  Short  History. 

but  begins  with  the  clear  and  simple  testimony 
of  a  pardoned  soul,  of  the  only  comfort  in  life 
and  in  death  and  then  presents  the  truths  of  sal- 
vation in  the  order  in  which  the  children  of  God 
experience  them  in  life,  namely  first  the  misery 
of  the  awakened  sinner;  then  the  believer's  sal- 
vation in  Christ  and  finally  the  thankfulness  of 
the  redeemed  Christian  in  works  and  prayer. 

This  is  not  an  arbitrary  order,  but  is  taken 
from  that  epistle  of  the  New  Testament,  which 
embodies  the  whole  doctrine  of  salvation,  the 
epistle  to  the  Romans. 

The  epistle  to  the  Romans  follows  the  same 
threefold  division  of  man's  misery,  to  chapter 
3:21;  of  redemption,  to  chapter  12,  and  then  of 
thankfulness. 

The  following  questions  are  especially  cele- 
brated on  account  of  their  precious  contents : 
questian  1,  of  our  only  comfort;  question  21, 
of  faith;  question  60,  of  justification;  question 
81,  who  is  worthy  to  come  to  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, and  question  114,  the  imperfection  of  the 
saints. 

Immediately  after  its  appearance,  the  catechism 
was  assailed  most  violently  in  many  writings  of 
the  strict  Lutherans;  they  even  hastened  to  re- 
port Elector  Frederic  to  the  Emperor  as  an  in- 
novator who  must  be  excluded  from  the  protec- 
tion promised  them  by  treaty. 

At  the  Diet  of  Augsburg,  in  the  year  1566,  a 
7 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

formal  complaint  was  lodged  against  him  on  May 
14th.  The  motion  was  made  that  he  be  required 
to  abolish  all  his  ecclesiastical  arrangements  to- 
gether with  his  new  catechism,  otherwise  he  was 
to  be  dealt  with  most  severely. 

Elector  Frederic  then  arose,  followed  by  his 
son,  who  carried  a  Bible,  and  delivered  a  speech. 
This  speech  was  remarkable  for  its  joyous  faith 
and  fearlessness  and  made  a  lasting  impression. 
He  closed  with  the  following  words : 

"As  to  religion,  that  I  should  change  or  abolish 
the  same,  I  announce,  that  in  matters  of  con- 
science or  faith  I  recognize  only  one  Lord,  the 
King  of  kings,  and  therefore  am  not  concerned 
for  a  capful  of  flesh*),  but  for  my  soul  and  its 
salvation,  the  care  of  which  my  Lord  and  Saviour 
Christ  has'given  me.  Am  also  bound  and  ready 
to  keep  the  same  for  Him. 

"I,  therefore,  cannot  concede  jurisdiction  over 
the  same  to  your  Imperial  Majesty  but  to  God 
only,  who  created  you. 

"As  to  my  catechism,  I  acknowledge  the  same. 
Its  margin  is  fortified  with  reasons  from  the 
Holy  Scriptures  that  it  shall  not  be  subverted 
but,  as  I  hope,  remain  unsubverted. 

"Moreover,  I  confidently  hope  that  my  Lord 
and  Saviour  Christ  Jesus  has  given  me  and  all 


*)  That  is,  I  am  ready  to  lose  my  head  for  it. 


A  Short  History. 

His  believers  His  sure  promise,  that  in  the  world 
beyond  He  will  restore  to  me  a  hundredfold 
whatever  I  shall  lose  for  His  glory's  and  His 
name's  sake.  I  herewith  humbly  commend  myself 
to  your  Imperial  Majesty." 

After  this  testimony,  the  Elector  and  the 
Heidelberg  Catechism  were  preserved  by  the 
grace  of  God,  in  spite  of  their  enemies.  The 
Elector  was  permitted  to  rule  his  country  till  he 
peacefully  passed  away  in  1576.  His  motto  was 
engraved  on  his  tombstone :  Lord,  according  to 
Thy  will ! 

The  Catechism  was  gradually  introduced  into 
all  Reformed  countries  of  Germany,  into  Hol- 
land, several  Swiss  Cantons,  Hungary  and  Po- 
land. 

In  the  year  1618,  at  the  Synod  of  Dort,  which 
was  composed  of  Reformed  delegates  from  all 
countries,  it  was  recognized  as  a  confession  of 
faith  of  the  whole  Reformed  Church  of  all 
tongues. 

Immigrants  from  Holland  and  Germany 
brought  the  catechism  to  America  where  it  re- 
mains to  this  day  the  confession  of  faith  of  the 
Reformed  Church  and  its  only  lawfully  recog- 
nized book  of  instruction  for  its  youth. 


Introduction. 


The  Books  of  the  Bible. 


The  Bible,  which  is  also  called  the  Word  of 
God,  Holy  Scriptures,  Testament,  is  divided  into 
the  Old  and  New  Testaments. 

The  Old  and  New  Testaments  are  divided  into 
historical,  doctrinal  and  prophetic  books. 

THE  OLD  TESTAMENT. 
The  seventeen  historical  books  are 


Genesis, 

Exodus, 

Leviticus, 

Numbers, 

Deuteronomy, 

Joshua, 

Judges, 


2§- 


Ruth, 

Samuel,  (2  books), 

Kings  (2  books), 

Chronicles  (2  books), 

Ezra, 

Nehemiah, 

Esther. 


The  five  doctrinal  books  are 

Job,  The  Proverbs  of  Solomon, 

The  Psalms,  Ecclesiastes  (Solomon), 

Canticles,  or  Song  of  Songs  (Solomon). 

The  sixteen  prophetic  books  are 

The  Four  Major  Prophets. 
Isaiah,  Lamentations  (Jeremiah), 


Jeremiah, 


Ezekiel, 


Daniel. 
10 


Introduction. 

The  Twelve  Minor  Prophets. 

Hosea,  Nahum, 

Joel,  Habakkuk, 

Amos,  Zephaniah, 

Obadiah,  Haggai, 

Jonah,  Zechariah, 

Micah,  Malachi. 

THE  NEW  TESTAMENT. 

The  five  historical  books  are 


The  Gospel  according  to  St. 

Matthew, 
The  Gospel  according  to  St. 
Mark, 


The  Gospel  according  to  St 

Luke, 
The  Gospel  according  to  St. 

John, 


The  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  by  St.  Luke. 
The  twenty-one  doctrinal  books  are 


The   Epistle   of  St.   Paul  to 

the  Romans, 
Two  Epistles  of  St.  Paul  to 

the  Corinthians, 
The   Epistle   of  St.   Paul  to 

the  Galatians, 
The   Epistle  of  St.  Paul  to 

the  Ephesians, 
The   Epistle   of  St.   Paul  to 

the  Philippians, 
The   Epistle  of  St.  Paul  to 

the  Colossians. 

The  Epistle 


Two  Epistles  of  St.  Paul  to 

the  Thessalonians. 
Two  Epistles  of  St.  Paul  to 

Timotheus, 
The   Epistle  of  St.  Paul  to 

Titus, 
The   Epistle  of  St.   Paul  to 

Philemon, 
The  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews. 
The  Epistle  of  St.  James- 
Two  Epistles  of  St.  Peter, 
Three  Epistles  of  St.  John, 
of  St.  Jude. 


The  only  prophetic  book  is 

The  Revelation  of  St.  John  the  Divine. 


11 


The  Holy  Scriptures. 


i.  The  whole  decree  of  God  for  our  salvation 
is  revealed  in  the  Bible  or  the  collection  of 
sacred  writings  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments. 
The  writings  of  the  Old  Covenant  contain  the 
revelation  of  God  to  the  fathers  of  antiquity  and 
to  the  people  of  Israel,  through  Moses  and  the 
prophets.  They  relate  how  sin  entered  the 
world,  and  give  the  promises  of  God  of  a  com- 
ing redemption,  and  the  preparation  for  this  re- 
demption. The  writings  of  the  New  Covenant 
contain  the  revelation  of  the  Son  of  God  to  the 
whole  human  race,  how  God  Himself  fulfilled 
our  redemption  in  Christ,  and  how  we  participate 
therein.  These  writings  as  a  whole  (or  Scrip- 
tures), are  called  the  Canon  or  rule  of  faith  and 
life. 

2.  God  accredited  His  prophets  and  apostles 
before  the  world, 

a)  Through  miracles :  works  of  omnipotence 
which  no  one  can  do,  except  God  be  with  him. 

b)  Through  prophecies :  fortelling  future 
things,  which  no  one  can  know  beforehand,  un- 
less God  Omniscient  reveals  them  to  him. 

12 


Introduction. 

3.  The  Bible  differs  from  all  other  books  in 
this  that  it  is  the  Word  of  God. 

All  scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God, 
and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for 
correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness :  that 
the  man  of  God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  fur- 
nished unto  all  good  works. — 2  Tim.  3 :  16,  17. 

The  certainty  that  the  whole  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures  is  the  Word  of  God,  is  attested 

a)  By  the  testimony  of  the  Son  of  God  as  to 
the  divinity  of  the  Old  Testament: 

Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the  law, 
or  the  prophets :  I  am  not  come  to  destroy,  but 
to  fulfill.     Matt.  5 :  17-19- 

b)  By  the  testimony  of  the  apostles: 

That  from  a  child  thou  hast  known  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise 
unto  salvation  through  faith  which  is  in  Christ 
Jesus.     2  Tim.  3:  15. 

c)  By  the  testimony  of  the  Church  of  the  Old 
and  the  New  Testament. 

d)  By  the  continued  experience  of  the  be- 
lievers, of  the  divine  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

If  any  man  will  do  His  will,  he  shall  know  of 
the  doctrine,  whether  it  be  of  God,  or  whether  I 
speak  of  myself.     John  7:  17. 
13 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

4.  The  divine  glory  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  is 
disclosed  as  follows : 

a)  They  are  living  and  powerful,  a  seed  of 
regeneration  : 

Is  not  my  word  like  a  fire?  saith  the  Lord; 
and  like  a  hammer  that  breaketh  the  rock  in 
pieces?     Jer.  23  :  29. 

b)  They  form  a  whole,  beginning  with  the 
creation,  Gen.  1  :  1,  and  closing  with  the  coming 
of  Christ,  Rev.  22:  20. 

c)  They  are  many-sided  in  this  unity. 

d)  Christ  is  their  Alpha  and  Omega. 

e)  They  are  arranged  for  all  times,  for  every 
station,  for  every  age.  They  satisfy  our  deepest 
needs,  and  no  one  is  able  to  exhaust  them. 

f)  Their  divinity  is  proven  by  the  prophecies 
that  have  been  fulfilled, 

a)  as  to  Christ. 

b)  as    to   the    descendants   of    Shem,    Japhet 

and  Ham, 

c)  as  to  Jerusalem  and  the  lot  of  the  Jews, 

d)  as  to  Tyre, 

e)  as  to  Nineveh, 

f)  as  to  Babylon. 

14 


Introduction. 

5.  In  the  Holy  Scriptures  we  accordingly  pos- 
sess the  pure  source  of  divine  instruction  and  the 
only  rule  of  our  faith  and  life,  in  accordance 
with  which  all  dissensions  in  the  Church  are  to 
be  decided  and  the  teachers  of  the  Word  to  be 
examined  : 

Thy  Word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet,  and  a  light 
unto  my  path.     Ps.  119.   105. 

This  is  done  in  our  Reformed  Church  which 
holds  to  the  Word  of  God,  neither  adding  to,  nor 
taking  from  it. 

The  principle  rules  for  profitable  Bible-read- 
ing :    read 

a)  humbly  and  reverently, 

b)  believingly, 

c)  devoutly,  intent  upon  salvation, 

d)  prayerfully, 

e)  with  proper  application  to  oneself, 

f)  with  the  earnest  resolution,  to  be  guided 
thereby  in  all  things. 

GENERAL  VIEW. 

God  created  man  to  live  in  communion  with 
Him  in  righteousness  and  holiness :  to  be  wise  in 
God,  holy  in  God,  blessed  in  God. 

Through  the  temptation  of  Satan  man  fell  into 
15 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

a  sinful  state  and  now  continues  to  walk  in 
sin, 

unwise,  unholy,  unblessed, 

separated  from  God  and  under  the  power  of  Sa- 
tan. In  order  to  restore  the  communion  which 
was  destroyed,  God  becomes  man  to  be 

our  Mediator, 

our  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification,  re- 
demption, our  Prophet,  High  Priest  and  King. 

CHRIST   OUR   LORD, 

those  whom  He  purchased  with  His  blood,  His 
own. 

In  order  to  impute  this  communion  restored  by 
Christ,  to  the  individual,  the  Father  and  the  Son 
send  their  Holy  Spirit. 

The  Spirit  of  wisdom,  peace,  power,  glory,  rev- 
elation, discipline,  and  blessedness.  Through  the 
Word  of  God  the  Holy  Spirit  gives  light,  peace, 
power,  and  blessedness. 

The  order  in  which  this  is  wrought  in  those 
who  are  called,  is  as  follows : 

Illumination,  justification,  sanctification  and 
preservation. 

In  this  wise  man  is  regenerated  to  the  image 
of  God,  in  true  righteousness  and  holiness ; 
16 


Introduction. 

A  child  of  light,  just,  holy,  blessed  in  hope. 

The  same  Holy  Spirit  confirms  through  the  use 
of  the  holy  sacraments,  the  forgiveness  of  sins, 
the  power  for  a  holy  life. 

Good  works  are  then  the  fruits  of  thankful- 
ness. Converse  with  God  in  prayer  is  the  life  of 
the 

COMMUNION  WITH  GOD. 


HEIDELBERG  CATECHISM. 
* 

i.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  John  10:  12-16;  27-29. 
Hymn  No.  183.    Jesus,  Thy  boundless  love. 

Question  i.  What  is  thy  only  comfort  in  life 
and  in  death ? 

That  I,  with  body  and  soul,  both  in  life 
and  in  death,  am  not  my  own,  but  belong  to 
my  faithful  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who  with 
His  precious  blood  has  fully  satisfied  for 
all  my  sins,  and  redeemed  me  from  all  the 
power  of  the  devil;  and  so  preserves  me, 
that  without  the  will  of  my  Father  in  heaven 
not  a  hair  can  fall  from  my  head ;  yea,  that 
all  things  must  work  together  for  my  salva- 
tion. Wherefore,  by  His  Holy  Spirit,  He 
also  assures  me  of  eternal  life,  and  makes 
me  heartily  willing  and  ready  henceforth 
to  live  unto  Him. 

This  question  and  answer  form  the  introduction  or  r>veface 
to  the  catechism.  It  presents  in  Bible  words  the  sum  oi  salva- 
tion in  Christ:  redemption  through  the  blood  of  Christ,  pres- 
ervation through  the  love  of  God,  assurance  and  sanctification 
through  the  Spirit.  Only  few  children  and  young  people  pos- 
sess this  comfort  in  full,  but  they  are  to  strive  for  it.  The  in- 
19 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

struction  in  the  catechism  Is  to  help  to  attain  it.  Many  a  one  has 
joyfully  confessed  this  only  comfort  on  his  death-bed,  as  in- 
deed, this  question  and  answer  is  praised  frequently  as  a 
precious  word. 

Rom.  14:  7,  8.  For  none  of  us  liveth  to  him- 
self, and  no  man  dieth  to  himself.  For  whether 
we  live,  we  live  unto  the  Lord;  and  whether  we 
die,  we  die  unto  the  Lord :  whether  we  live  there- 
fore, or  die,  we  are  the  Lord's. 

1  Cor.  6 :  19.  What !  know  ye  not  that  your 
body  is  the  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost  which  is 
in  you,  which  ye  have  of  God,  and  ye  are  not 
your  own? 

Tit.  2:  14.  Our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ;  who 
gave  Himself  for  us,  that  He  might  redeem  us 
from  all  iniquity,  and  purify  unto  Himself  a 
peculiar  people,  zealous  of  good  works. 

1  Pet.  1 :  18,  19.  Forasmuch  as  ye  know  that 
ye  were  not  redeemed  with  corruptible  things, 
as  silver  and  gold,  from  your  vain  conversation 
received  by  tradition  from  your  fathers ;  but  with 
the  precious  blood  of  Christ,  as  of  a  lamb  without 
blemish  and  without  spot. 

Heb.  2:  14,  15.  Forasmuch  then  as  the  children 
are  partakers  of  flesh  and  blood,  He  also  Him- 
self likewise  took  part  of  the  same;  that  through 
death  He  might  destroy  him  that  had  the  power 
of  death,  that  is,  the  devil ;  and  deliver  them  who 
through  fear  of  death  were  all  their  lifetime 
subject  to  bondage. 

1  Pet.  1 :  5.  Who  are  kept  by  the  power  of 
God  through  faith  unto  salvation,  ready  to  be 
revealed  in  the  last  time. 

Matt.   10:  29,  30.     Are  not  two  sparrows  sold 
for  a  farthing?   and  one  of  them  shall  not  fall  on 
the  ground   without  your   Father.     But  the  very 
hairs  of  your  head  are  numbered. 
20 


The  Only  Comfort. 

Rom.  8 :  28.  We  know  that  all  things  work  to- 
gether for  good,  to  them  that  love  God,  to  them 
who  are  the  called  according  to  His  purpose. 

1  John  4 :  13.  Hereby  know  we  that  we  dwell 
in  Him,  and  He  in  us,  because  He  hath  given  us 
of  His  Spirit. 

Ezek.  36:  27.  I  will  put  my  Spirit  within  you, 
and  cause  you  to  walk  in  my  statutes,  and  ye  shall 
keep  my  judgments,  and  do  them. 

Examples:  Mary,  one  thing  is  needful,  Luke  10:  38—42. 
Dan.  3,  preservation  in  the  fiery  furnace.  Luke  19: 15—23, 
shows  what  it  means  to  live  unto  Him. 

Question  2.  How  many  things  are  necessary 
for  thee  to  know,  that  thou  in  this  comfort  may- 
est  live  and  die  happily? 

Three  things :  First,  the  greatness  of  my 
sin  and  misery.  Second,  how  I  am  re- 
deemed from  all  my  sins  and  misery.  Third, 
how  I  am  to  be  thankful  to  God  for  such  re- 
demption. 

In  accordance  with  this  question  and  answer  the  whole 
catechism  is  divided  into  three  parts:  of  man's  misery,  of  man's 
redemption,  of  thankfulness.  The  epistle  to  the  Romans  is 
divided  in  the  same  manner,  treating  in  chapters  1  to  3  verse  20 
of  man's  misery,  to  chapter  12  of  man's  redemption,  and  from 
there  to  the  end,  of  thankfulness  and  good  works.  The  spirit- 
ual life  of  every  true  Christian  likewise  consists  of  these  three 
parts,  for  example  the  misery  of  the  jailer  at  Philippi,  Acts  16: 
27—30,  his  redemption,  verses  31  and  32,  his  thankfulness, 
verses  33  and  34. 

Rom.  7:  24,  25.  O  wretched  man  that  I  am? 
who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of  this  death? 
I   thank   God,   through  Jesus   Christ  our  Lord. 


FIRST  PART. 

Of  Man's  Misery. 
2.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Rom.  7. 

Hymn  No.  175.     My  sins,  my  sins,  my  Saviour. 

Question  3.    Whence  knowest  thou  thy  misery? 
Out  of  the  Law  of  God. 

Rom.  3:  20.  Therefore  by  the  deeds  of  the  law, 
there  shall  no  flesh  be  justified  in  His  sight:  for 
by  the  law  is  the  knowledge  of  sin. 

Rom.  7:  7. 

Question  4.  What  does  the  Law  of  God  re- 
quire of  us? 

This  Christ  teaches  us  in  sum,  Matt.  22 : 
Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord,  thy  God  with 
all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with 
all  thy  mind,  and  with  all  thy  strength. 
This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment; 
and  the  second  is  like  unto  it:  Thou  shalt 
love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself.  On  these  two 
commandments  hang  all  the  law  and  the 
prophets. 

Rom.  13 :  10.    Love  is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law. 
22 


Of  Man's  Misery. 

Deut.  6:5  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God 
with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and 
with  all  thy  might. 

Lev.  19:  18.  T*hou  shalt  not  avenge,  nor  bear 
any  grudge  against  the  children  of  thy  people,  but 
thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 

"Neighbor"  illustrated  Luke  10,  the  good  Samaritan. 

Question  5.   Canst  thou  keep  all  this  perfectly? 

No :  for  I  am  by  nature  prone  to  hate  God 
and  my  neighbor. 

Rom.  3 :  10-12.  There  is  none  righteous,  no, 
not  one :  there  is  none  that  understandeth,  there 
is  none  that  seeketh  after  God.  They  are  all 
gone  out  of  the  way,  they  are  together  become 
unprofitable;  there  is  none  that  doeth  good,  no, 
not  one. 

Rom.  8:  7.  Because  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity 
against  God:  for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of 
God,  neither  indeed  can  be. 

Perfect,  Jas.  2: 10.    The  rich  young  man,  Mark  10: 17—22. 

3.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  John  3:  1-15. 
Hymn  No.  163.    Lord,  I  am  vile. 

Question  6.  Did  God  create  man  thus  wicked 
and  perverse? 

No,  but  God  created  man  good,  and  after 
His  own  image,  that  is,  in  righteousness  and 
true  holiness;  that  he  might  rightly  know 

23 


Heidelberg  Jpatechism. 

God  his  Creator,  heartily  love  Him,  and  live 
with  Him  in  eternal  blessedness,  to  praise 
and  glorify  Him. 

Gen.  i :  27.  So  God  created  man  in  His  own 
image,  in  the  image  of  God  created  He  him; 
male  and  female  created  He  them. 

Gen.  1 :  31.  And  God  saw  everything  that  He 
had  made :  and  behold,  it  was  very  good. 

Eph.  4:  24.  And  that  ye  put  on  the  new  man, 
which  after  God  is  created  in  righteousness  and 
true  holiness. 

Rightly  know,  Col.  3: 10.    Glorify,  Prov.  16:  4. 

Question  7.  Whence  then  comes  this  depraved 
nature  of  man? 

From  the  fall  and  disobedience  of  our 
first  parents,  Adam  and  Eve,  in  Paradise, 
whereby  our  nature  became  so  corrupt,  that 
we  are  all  conceived  and  born  in  sin. 

THE   FALL. 

Rom.  S :  12.  Wherefore  as  by  one  man  sin  en- 
tered into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin;  and  so 
death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have 
sinned. 

Ps.  51:  5.  Behold,  I  was  shapen  in  iniquity; 
and  in  sin  did  my  mother  conceive  me. 

Gen.  5:  3.  John  3:  6.  1  Cor.  8:  46.  Gen.  3: 
The  whole  chapter. 

24 


Of  Man's  Misery. 

Question  8.  But  are  we  so  far  depraved,  that 
we  are  wholly  unapt  to  any  good  and  prone  to 
all  evil? 

Yes;  unless  we  are  bom  again  by  the 
Spirit  of  God. 

REGENERATION. 

Gen.  8:  21.  The  imagination  of  man's  heart  is 
evil  from  his  youth. 

2  Cor.  3:  5.  Not  that  we  are  sufficient  of  our- 
selves to  think  anything  as  of  ourselves ;  but  our 
sufficiency  is  of  God. 

John  3 :  3.  Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he 
cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God. 

4.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Acts  5:  1-11. 
Hymn  No.  17.     Day  of  wrath. 

Question  9.  Does  not  God  then  wrong  man, 
by  requiring  of  Him  in  His  law  that  which  he 
cannot  perform? 

No :  for  God  so  made  man,  that  he  could 
perform  it ;  but  man,  through  the  instigation 
of  the  devil,  by  wilful  disobedience  de- 
prived himself  and  all  his  posterity  of  this 
power. 

Ps.  51 :  4.  Against  Thee  only  have  I  sinned, 
and  done  that  which  is  evil  in  Thy  sight :  that 
Thou  mayest  be  justified  when  Thou  speakest, 
and  be  clear  when  Thou  judgest. 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Gen.  3 :  6.  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  the 
tree  was  good  for  food,  and  that  it  was  pleasant 
to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired  to  make  one 
wise;  she  took  of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat; 
and  gave  also  unto  her  husband  with  her,  and 
he  did  eat. 

John  8:  14.    Who  was  the  serpent  ?    Rev.  12: 9. 

Question  io.  Will  God  suffer  such  disobedi- 
ence and  apostasy  to  go  unpunished? 

By  no  means ;  but  He  is  terribly  displeased 
with  our  inborn  as  well  as  actual  sins,  and 
will  punish  them  in  just  judgment  in  time 
and  eternity,  as  He  has  declared :  Cursed  is 
every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things 
which  are  written  in  the  book  of  the  law,  to 
do  them.     Deut.  27:  26. 

ACTUAL    SINS    MAY    BE    DONE  \ 

I.  Knowingly  and  unknowingly; 

Ps.  19:  12.  Who  can  discern  his  errors?  Clean 
Thou  me  from  hidden  faults. 

Ps.  40:  12.  Mine  iniquities  have  overtaken  me, 
so  that  I  am  not  able  to  look;  they  are  more  than 
the  hairs  of  my  head. 

2.  In  thoughts,  words,  and  deeds; 

Matt.  15 :  19.  Out  of  the  heart  proceed  evil 
thoughts,  murders,  adulteries,  fornications,  thefts, 
false  witness,  blasphemies. 

Matt.   12 :  36.     But  I  say  unto  you,  that  every 
26 


Of  Man's  Misery. 

idle  word  that  men  shall  speak,  they   shall  give 
account  thereof  in  the  day  of  judgment. 

3.  By  the  omission  of  good  and  the  commission 
of  evil. 

James  4 :  17.  To  him  that  knoweth  to  do  good, 
and  doeth  it  not,  to  him  it  is  sin. 

James  3 :  2.     For  in  many  things  we  offend  all. 

THE    PUNISHMENT    OF    SIN    IS 

I.  Temporal. 

Rom.  5 :  12.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man  sin 
entered  into  the  world,  and  death  by  sin ;  and  so 
death  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  all  have 
sinned. 

Rom.  1 :  18.  The  wrath  of  God  is  revealed 
from  heaven  against  all  ungodliness  and  un- 
righteousness of  men,  who  hold  the  truth  in  un- 
righteousness. 

2.  Eternal. 

Matt.  25 :  41.  Then  He  shall  say  also  unto 
them  on  the  left  hand,  Depart  from  me,  ye 
cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the 
devil  and  his  angels. 

Question  ii.    Is  then  God  not  merciful? 

God  is  indeed  merciful,  but  He  is  likewise 
just;  wherefore  His  justice  requires  that 
sin,  which  is  committed  against  the  most 
high  majesty  of  God,  be  also  punished  with 

27 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

extreme,    that   is,    with  everlasting  punish- 
ment both  of  body  and  soul. 

Ex.  34:  6,  7.  The  Lord,  the  Lord,  a  God  full 
of  compassion  and  gracious,  slow  to  anger,  and 
plenteous  in  mercy  and  truth;  keeping  mercy  for 
thousands,  forgiving  iniquity  and  transgression 
and  sin :  and  that  will  by  no  means  clear  the 
guilty;  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon 
the  children,  and  upon  the  children's  children, 
upon  the  third  and  upon  the  fourth  generation. 

Rom.  2:  5,  6.  But  (thou)  after  thy  hardness 
and  impenitent  heart  treasurest  up  unto  thyself 
wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath  and  revelation  of 
the  righteous  judgment  of  God;  who  will  render 
to  every  man  according  to  his  deeds. 

Gen.  6:  the  Deluge.    Gen.  19:  Sodom.    II.  Sam.  12:  1—12: 
Nathan's  Sermon.    Dan.  5: 18—30:  mene,  tekel  upharsin. 


SECOND  PART. 

Of  Man's  Redemption. 

* 
5.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Is.  53. 

Hymn  Xo.  242.     0  Lamb  of  God. 

Question  12.  Since  then,  by  the  righteous 
judgment  of  God,  we  deserve  temporal  and  eter- 
nal punishment,  what  is  required  that  we  may 
escape  this  punishment  and  be  again  received  into 
favor? 

God  wills  that  His  justice  be  satisfied, 
therefore  must  we  make  full  satisfaction  to 
the  same,  either  by  ourselves  or  by  another. 

Ezek.  18:  4.     The  soul  that  sinneth,  it  shall  die. 

Matt.  5 :  26.  Verily  I  say  unto  thee,  Thou  shalt 
by  no  means  come  out  thence,  till  thou  hast  paid 
the  uttermost  farthing. 

2  Thess.  1:  6.    Luke  16:  2.     Rom.  8:  34. 

Question  13.  Can  we  ourselves  make  this  sat- 
isfaction f 

By  no  means :    on  the  contrary,   we  daily 
increase  our  guilt. 
Matt.  16:  26.    For  what  is  a  man  profited,  if  he 
29 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

gain  the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  soul?  or  what 
shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his  soul? 

Job  9:  2.     Job  15:   15,  16.     Ps.  130:  3. 

Question  14.  Can  any  mere  creature  make 
satisfaction  for  us? 

None:  for  first,  God  will  not  punish,  in 
any  other  creature,  that  of  which  man  has 
made  himself  guilty;  and  further,  no  mere 
creature  can  sustain  the  burden  of  God's 
eternal  wrath  against  sin,  and  redeem  others 
therefrom. 

Heb.  2 :  16.  For  verily  He  took  not  on  Him 
the  nature  of  angels;  but  He  took  on  Him  the 
seed  of  Abraham. 

That  is,  since  He  desired  to  suffer  the  punishment  for  man 
He  could  not  do  it  in  the  nature  of  angels. 

Heb.  9 :  12.  Neither  by  the  blood  of  goats  and 
calves,  but  by  His  own  blood,  He  entered  in  once 
into  the  holy  place,  having  obtained  eternal  re- 
demption for  us. 

That  is,  the  punishment  was  not  suffered  by  the  creatures 
goats  and  calves. 

Ps.  49:  7,  8.  None  of  them  can  by  any  means 
redeem  his  brother,  nor  give  to  God  a  ransom 
for  him:  For  the  redemption  of  their  soul  is 
precious,  and  it  ceaseth  forever. 

Question  15.  What  manner  of  mediator  and 
redeemer  then  must  we  seek? 

One  who  is  a  true  and  sinless   man,   and 

30 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

yet  more  powerful  than  all  creatures,  that 
is,  one  who  is  at  the  same  time  true  God. 

i  Cor.  15 :  21.  For  since  by  man  came  death, 
by  man  came  also  the  resurrection  of  the  dead. 

Heb.  7 :  26.  For  such  an  high  priest  became 
us,  who  is  holy,  harmless,  undefiled,  separate 
from  sinners,  and  made  higher  than  the  heavens. 

Jer.  23 :  6.     The  Lord  our  Righteousness. 


6.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Heb.   1. 

Hymn  No.  407.    My  faith  looks  up  to  Thee. 

Question  16.  Why  must  he  be  a  true  and 
sinless  man? 

Because  the  justice  of  God  requires,  that 
the  same  human  nature,  which  has  sinned 
should  make  satisfaction  for  sin ;  but  no 
man,  being  himself  a  sinner,  could  satisfy 
for  others. 

The  Redeemer  must  be: 

a)  a  true  man; 

Rom.  8:  3.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in 
that  it  was  weak  through  the  flesh,  God  sending 
His  own  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and 
for  sin,  condemned  sin  in  the  flesh. 

1  Tim.  2:  5.  For  there  is  one  God,  and  one 
mediator  between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ 
Jesus. 

31 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

b)  a  sinless  man; 

Is.  53:  11.  He  shall  see  the  travail  of  His  soul, 
and  shall  be  satisfied :  by  His  knowledge  shall 
my  righteous  servant  make  many  righteous :  and 
He  shall  bear  their  iniquities. 

John  8:  46.  Which  of  you  convinceth  me  of 
sin? 

Question  17.  Why  must  He  be  at  the  same 
time  true  God? 

That  by  the  power  of  His  Godhead  He 
might  bear,  in  His  manhood,  the  burden  of 
God's  wrath  and  so  obtain  for  and  restore 
to  us  righteousness  and  life. 

c)  true  God. 

2  Cor.  5:  21.  For  He  (God)  hath  made  Him 
to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin ;  that  we  might 
be  made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  Him. 

Rom.  5:  17.  For  if  by  one  man's  offence  death 
reigned  by  one ;  much  more  they  which  receive 
abundance  of  grace  and  of  the  gift  of  righteous- 
ness shall  reign  in  life  by  one,  Jesus  Christ. 

Question  18.  But  who  now  is  that  Mediator, 
who  is  at  the  same  time  true  God  and  a  true, 
sinless  Man? 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  is  freely 
given  unto  us  for  complete  redemption  and 
righteousness. 

32 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

d)  therefore  God-man. 

John  i  :  14.  And  the  Word  was  made  flesh, 
and  dwelt  among  us,  and  we  beheld  His  glory, 
the  glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father, 
full  of  grace  and  truth. 

e)  ready  for  the  work  of  redemption. 

John  10:  17,  18.  Therefore  doth  my  Father 
love  me,  because  I  lay  down  my  life,  that  I  might 
take  it  again.  No  man  taketh  it  from  me,  but 
I  lay  it  down  myself.  I  have  power  to  lay  it 
down,  and  I  have  power  to  take  it  again. 

f)  given  and  made  by  God  Himself. 

1  Cor.  1 :  30.  Who  of  God  is  made  unto  us 
wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctification, 
and  redemption. 

Acts  4:  12.  Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any 
other:  for  there  is  none  other  name  under  heav- 
en given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved. 

Rom.  8 :  3.  God  sending  His  own  Son  in  the 
likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for  sin.  condemned 
sin  in  the  flesh. 

1  Tim.  2 :  5.  For  there  is  one  Mediator  be- 
tween God  and  men,  the  man  Christ  Jesus. 

1  Cor.  1 :  30.     Rom.  9 :  5. 

Question  19.     Whence  knowest  thou   this? 

From  the  Holy  Gospel:  which  God  Him- 
self first  revealed  in  Paradise ;  afterwards 
proclaimed     by    the    holy    Patriarchs     and 

2  33 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Prophets,  and  foreshadowed  by  the  sacri- 
fices and  other  ceremonies  of  the  law ;  and 
finally  fulfilled  by  His  well-beloved  Son. 

Gen.  3:  15.  And  I  will  put  enmity  between 
thee  and  the  woman,  and  between  thy  seed  and 
her  seed ;  it  shall  bruise  thy  head,  and  thou  shalt 
bruise  His  heel. 

Gen.  22 :  18.  And  in  thy  seed  shall  all  the  na- 
tions of  the  earth  be  blessed. 

Acts  10:  43.  To  Him  give  all  the  prophets 
witness,  that  through  His  name  whosoever  believ- 
eth  in  Him  shall  receive  remission  of  sins. 

Heb.  10 :  1.  For  the  law  having  a  shadow  of 
good  things  to  come,  and  not  the  very  image  of 
the  things,  can  never  with  those  sacrifices  which 
they  offered  year  by  year,  continually  make  the 
comers  thereunto  perfect. 

Gal.  4:  4.  But  when  the  fulness  of  the  time 
was  come,  God  sent  forth  His  Son. 


7.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Heb.  11. 

Hymn  No.  364.     Faith  is  the  brightest. 

Question  20.  Are  all  men  then  saved  by 
Christ,  as  they  have  perished  by  Adam? 

No ;  only  such  as  by  true  faith  are  in- 
grafted into  Him,  and  receive  all  His  ben- 
efits. 

34 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

Matt.  7:  13,  14.  Enter  ye  in  at  the  strait  gate: 
for  wide  is  the  gate,  and  broad  is  the  way,  that 
leadeth  to  destruction,  and  many  there  be  which 
go  in  thereat :  because  strait  is  the  gate,  and  nar- 
row is  the  way,  which  leadeth  unto  life,  and  few 
there  be  that  find  it. 

John  3:  16,  36.  For  God  so  loved  the  world, 
that  He  gave  His  only  begotten  Son,  that  who- 
soever believeth  in  Him,  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life.  He  that  believeth  on  the 
Son  hath  everlasting  life:  and  he  that  believeth 
not  the  Son,  shall  not  see  life;  but  the  wrath  of 
God  abideth  on  him. 

John  12.     John  17:  9.     Matt.  7:  24. 

Luke  23:  39-43.    Only  one  of  the  two  crucified  with  Jesus 
is  saved. 


Question  21.     What  is  true  faith? 

It  is  not  only  a  certain  knowledge,  where- 
by I  hold  for  truth  all  that  God  has  revealed 
to  us  in  His  Word ;  but  also  a  hearty  trust, 
which  the  Holy  Ghost  works  in  me  by  the 
Gospel,  that  not  only  to  others,  but  to  me 
also,  forgiveness  of  sins,  everlasting  right- 
eousness and  salvation,  are  freely  given  by 
God,  merely  of  grace,  for  the  sake  of 
Christ's  merits. 

Heb.  11 :  1.  Now  faith  is  the  substance  of 
things  hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things  not 
seen. 

Eph.  3 :    12.     In  whom  we  have  boldness  and 
access  with  confidence  by  the  faith  in  Him. 
35 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Eph.  i :  13.  In  whom  ye  also  trusted  after  ye 
heard  the  word  of  truth,  the  gospel  of  your  sal- 
vation in  whom  also  after  that  ye  believed,  ye 
were  sealed  with  the  Holy  Spirit. 

Eph.  2:  8,  9.  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved, 
through  faith ;  and  that  not  of  yourselves :  it  is 
the  gift  of  God:  Not  of  works,  lest  any  man 
should  boast. 

Historical  examples:  The  man  of  Ethiopia,  Acts  8;  the 
sinner,  Luke  7;  Lydia,  Acts  16. 

Simply  holding  for  truth:  Judas  Iscariot,  Simon  the  sor- 
cerer, Acts  8:  9—15. 

Question  22.  What  is  then  necessary  for  a 
Christian  to  believe? 

All  that  is  promised  us  in  the  Gospel, 
which  the  articles  of  our  catholic,  undoubt- 
ed Christian  faith  teach  us  in  sum. 

Acts  24:  14.  So  worship  I  the  God  of  my 
fathers,  believing  all  things  which  are  written  in 
the  law  and  the  prophets. 

Proofs  that  the  Bible  is  the  Word  of  God: 

1)  Its  own  testimony,  II.  Pet.  1:  21,  II.  Tim.  3: 15,  II.  Pet. 
1:  19,  I.  Tim.  6:3,  4. 

2)  The  fulfillment  of  its  prophecies. 

3 )  The  effect  upon  single  persons  and  whole  nations. 

Question  23.     What  are  these  Articles? 

I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Al- 
mighty, Maker  of  heaven  and  earth. 

And  in  Jesus  Christ,  His  only  begot- 
ten Son,  our  Lord:  who  was  conceived 
by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin 

36 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 
Mary;  suffered   under   Pontius  Pilate, 

WAS  CRUCIFIED,  DEAD  AND  BURIED;  He  DE- 
SCENDED   into  hell;    the    third   day  He 

ROSE    FROM    THE  DEAD;    He     ASCENDED     INTO 

heaven,  and  sitteth  at  the  right  hand 
of  God  the  father  almighty;  from 
thence  he  shall  come  to  judge  the 
quick  and  the  dead. 

I     BELIEVE     IN     THE    HOLY     GHOST  ;    THE 

Holy  Catholic  Church;  the  commun- 
ion OF  SAINTS  ;  THE  FORGIVENESS  OF  SINS  J 
THE  RESURRECTION  OF  THE  BODY,  AND  THE 
LIFE.  EVERLASTING. 

Eph.  4 :  5,  6.  One  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism, 
one  God  and  Father  of  us  all,  who  is  above  all, 
and  through  all,  and  in  you  all. 

8.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Matt.  21:  33-44. 
Hymn  No.  343.     Adore  the  Father. 

Question  24.     How  are  these  Articles  divided? 

Into  three  parts :  the  first  is  of  God  the 
Father,  and  our  creation ;  the  second,  of 
God  the  Son,  and  our  redemption ;  the  third, 
of  God  the  Holy  GJwst,  and  our  sanctifica- 
tion. 

The  Trinity  consists 

a)  of  three  persons. 

1  Pet.  1 :  2.  Elect  according  to  the  foreknowl- 
edge of  God  the  Father,  through  sanctification 
of  the  Spirit,  unto  obedience  and  sprinkLng  of 
the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ. 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Matt.  28:  19.  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all 
nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

1  John  5 :  7.  For  there  are  three  that  bear 
record  in  heaven,  the  Father,  the  Word,  and  the 
Holy  Ghost :   and  these  three  are  one. 

Isa.  48:  16.  Come  ye  near  unto  me,  hear  ye 
this;  from  the  beginning  have  I  not  spoken  in 
secret;  from  the  time  that  I  was,  there  am  I: 
and  now  the  Lord  God  hath  sent  me  anc!  His 
Spirit. 

Question  25.  Since  there  is  but  one  Divine 
Being,  why  speakest  thou  of  three,  Father,  Son 
and  Holy  Ghost? 

Because  God  has  so  revealed  Himself  in 
His  Word  ,  that  these  three  distinct  Per- 
sons are  the  one,  true,  eternal  God. 

b)   who  have  one  divine  essence. 

Deut.  6:  4.  Hear,  O  Israel:  The  Lord  our  God 
is  one  Lord. 

Matt.  3 :  16,  17.  And  Jesus,  when  He  was  bap- 
tized, went  up  straightway  out  of  the  water:  and, 
lo  the  heavens  were  opened  unto  him,  and  he 
(John)  saw  the  Spirit  of  God  descending  like  a 
dove,  and  lighting  upon  Him :  and  lo,  a  voice 
from  heaven,  saying,  This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in 
whom  I  am  well  pleased. 

John  10:  30.     I  and  the  Father  are  one. 

2  Cor.   13 :    14.     The  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus 

38 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

Christ,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you  all. 
Eph.  4:  6.     One  God  and  Father  of  all. 

Of  God  the  Father. 
9.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Matt.  6:  25-34. 

Hymn  No.  385.     Commit  thou  all  thy  griefs. 

Question  26.  What  dost  thou  believe  when 
thou  sayest:  I  believe  in  God  the  Father  Al- 
mighty, Maker  of  heaven  and  earth f 

That  the  eternal  Father  of  our  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ,  who  of  nothing  made  heaven  and 
earth,  with  all  that  in  them  is,  who  likewise 
upholds  and  governs  the  same  by  His  eter- 
nal counsel  and  providence,  is  for  the  sake 
of  Christ  His  Son  my  God  and  my  Father; 
in  whom  I  so  trust,  as  to  have  no  doubt  that 
He  will  provide  me  with  all  things  neces- 
sary for  body  and  soul ;  and  further,  that 
whatever  evil  He  sends  upon  me  in  this  vale 
of  tears  He  will  turn  to  my  good;  for  He  is 
able  to  do  it,  being  Almighty  God,  and  will- 
ing also,  being  a  faithful  Father. 

Eph.  1 :  3.  Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  blessed  us  with 
all  spiritual  blessings  in  heavenly  places  in 
Christ. 

Eph.  3 :  14-16.  For  this  cause  I  bow  my  knees 
39 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

unto  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  of 
whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and  earth  is 
named,  that  He  would  grant  you,  according  to 
the  riches  of  His  glory,  to  be  strengthened  with 
might  by  His  Spirit  in  the  inner  man. 

OF    GOD    THE    CREATOR. 

a)  Creation. 

Heb.  n:  3.  Through  faith  we  understand  that 
fhe  worlds  were  framed  by  the  word  of  God,  so 
that  things  which  are  seen  were  not  made  of 
things  which  do  appear. 

b)  Preservation. 

Ps.  145 :  15,  16.  The  eyes  of  all  wait  upon 
Thee;  and  Thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due 
season.  Thou  openest  Thine  hand,  and  satis- 
fiest  the  desire  of  every  living  thing. 

e)  Government. 

Luke  1  :  51-54.  He  hath  shewed  strength  with 
His  arm ;  He  hath  scattered  the  proud  in  the 
imagination  of  their  hearts.  Lie  hath  put  down 
the  mighty  from  their  seats,  and  exalted  them 
of  low  degree.  He  hath  filled  the  hungry  with 
good  things ;  and  the  rich  He  hath  sent  empty 
away.  He  hath  holpen  His  servant  Israel,  in 
remembrance  of  His  mercy. 

CONCERNING    THE   ANGELS. 

The  Good  Angels. 

Col.  1  :  16.  For  by  Him  were  all  things  created, 
that  are  in  heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth,  visible 
and  invisible,  whether  they  be  thrones,  or  domin- 
ions, or  principalities,  or  powers:  all  things  were 
created  bv  Him,  and  for  Him. 
40 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

Ps.  34:  7.  The  angel  of  the  Lord  encampeth 
round  about  them  that  fear  Him,  and  delivereth 
them. 

Evil  Angels  and  the  Devil. 

John  8:  44.  He  (the  devil)  was  a  murderer 
from  the  beginning,  and  abode  not  in  the  truth, 
because  there  is  no  truth  in  him.  When  he 
speaketh  a  lie,  he  speaketh  of  his  own:  for  he 
is  a  liar,  and  the  father  of  it. 

1  Pet.  5:8.  Be  sober,  be  vigilant ;  because 
your  adversary  the  devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  walk- 
eth  about,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour :  whom 
resist  steadfast  in  the  faith. 

THE    ATTRIBUTES    OF    GOD. 

i.  Everlasting. 

Ps.  90:  1-4.  Lord,  Thou  hast  been  our  dwell- 
ing place  in  all  generations.  Before  the  moun- 
tains were  brought  forth,  or  Thou  hadst  formed 
the  earth  and  the  world,  even  from  everlasting 
to  everlasting,  Thou  art  God.  Thou  turnest  man 
to  destruction ;  and  sayest,  Return,  ye  children 
of  men.  For  a  thousand  years  in  Thy  sight  are 
but  as  yesterday  when  it  is  past,  and  as  a  watch 
in  the  night. 

2.  Omnipotence. 

Gen.  17:  1.  I  am  God  Almighty;  walk  before 
me,  and  be  thou  perfect. 

Ps.  115,  3.  Our  God  is  in  the  heavens:  He 
hath  done  whatsoever  He  pleased. 

3.  Omniscience. 

Heb.  4:  13.  Neither  is  there  any  creature  that 
is  not  manifest  in  His  sight :  but  all  things  are 
naked  and  opened  unto  the  eyes  of  Him  with 
whom  we  have  to  do. 

41 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Matt.  6:  8.  Your  Father  knoweth  what  things 
ye  have  need  of,  before  ye  ask  Him. 

4.  Infinite   Wisdom. 

Rom.  11:  33.  O  the  depth  of  the  riches  both 
of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God!  how  un- 
searchable are  His  judgments,  and  His  ways 
past  finding  out ! 

Ps.  37 :  5.  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord ; 
trust  also  in  Him,  and  He  shall  bring  it  to  pass. 

5.  Holiness. 

Isa.  6:  3.  Holy,  holy,  holy  is  the  Lord  Sabo- 
oth :    the  whole  earth  is  full  of  His  glory. 

1  Pet.  1 :  15,  16.  But  as  He  which  hath  called 
you  is  holy,  so  be  ye  holy  in  all  manner  of  con- 
versation;  because  it  is  written,  Be  ye  holy;  for 
I  am  holy. 

6.  Justice. 

Job  34:  10-12.  Far  be  it  from  God,  that  He 
should  do  wickedness ;  and  from  the  Almighty, 
that  He  should  commit  iniquity.  For  the  work 
of  a  man  shall  He  render  unto  him,  and  cause 
every  man  to  find  according  to  his  ways.  Yea, 
of  a  surety,  God  will  not  do  wickedly,  neither 
will  the  Almighty  pervert  judgment. 

Rom.  2:  11.  For  there  is  no  respect  of  persons 
with  God. 

7.  Omnipresence. 

Acts  17:  27.  28.  He  is  not  far  from  every  one 
of  us:  for  in  Him  we  live,  and  move,  and  have 
our  being. 

Jer.  23:  24.  Can  any  hide  himself  in  secret 
42 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

places  that  I  shall  not  see  him?    saith  the  Lord. 
Do  not  I  fill  heaven  and  earth?  saith  the  Lord. 

8.  Goodness,  Love,  Grace,  Compassion,  Mercy, 
Patience,  Long-suffering,  Faithfulness. 

I  John  4 :  16.     God  is  Love. 

Ps.  145 :  8.  The  Lord  is  gracious  and  full  of 
compassion ;  slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  mercy. 
The  Lord  is  good  to  all;  and  His  tender  mercies 
are  over  all  His  works. 

1  Thess.  5 :  24.  Faithful  is  He  that  calleth  you, 
who  also  will  do  it. 

9.  Truth  and  Unchangeableness. 

Num.   23 :    19.     God    is    not    a    man    that  He 

should    lie;    neither    the    son    of    man,    that  He 

should  repent :    hath  He  said,  and  shall  He  not 

do   it?    .Or   hath   He  spoken,   and   shall   He  not 
make  it  good? 

Ps.  33:  4.  For  the  word  of  the  Lord  is  right; 
and  all  His  work  is  done  in  faithfulness. 

10.  All-sufficiency  and  Blessedness. 

Acts  17 :  24,  25.  God  that  made  the  world  and 
all  things  therein,  seeing  that  He  is  Lord  of 
heaven  and  earth,  dwelleth  not  in  temples  made 
with  hands :  neither  is  He  worshiped  with  men's 
hands,  as  though  He  needed  any  thing,  seeing  He 
giveth  to  all  life,  and  breath,  and  all  things. 

11.  Glory  and  Majesty. 

Ps.  104:  1,  2.     Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul.     O 
Lord  my  God,  Thou  art  very  great;    Thou  art 
43 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

clothed  with  honor  and  majesty.     Who  coverest 
Thyself  with  light  as  with  a  garment. 

Jer.  10 :  6.  There  is  none  like  unto  Thee,  O 
Lord;  Thou  art  good,  and  Thy  name  is  great  in 
might. 

10.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Psalm  104. 

Hymn  No.  47.    God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way. 

Question  27.  What  dost  thou  understand  by 
the  Providence  of  God? 

The  almighty  everywhere  present  power 
of  God,  whereby,  as  it  were  by  His  hand, 
He  still  upholds  heaven  and  earth,  with  all 
creatures ;  and  so  governs  them,  that  herbs 
and  grass,  rain  and  drought,  fruitful  and 
barren  years,  meat  and  drink,  health  and 
sickness,  riches  and  poverty,  yea,  all  things, 
come  not  by  chance,  but  by  His  fatherly 
hand. 

General,  special,  and  very  special  Providence  of 
God. 

Ps.  103 :  19.  The  Lord  hath  established  His 
throne  in  the  heavens;  and  His  kingdom  ruleth 
over  all. 

Jer.  5  :  24.  Let  us  now  fear  the  Lord  our  God, 
that  giveth  rain,  both  the  former  and  the  latter. 
in  its  season ;  that  reserveth  unto  us  the  ap- 
pointed weeks  of  the  harvest. 

Ps.  145:  15,  16.  The  eyes  of  all  wait  upon 
Thee;  and  Thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due 
44 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

season.     Thou  openest  Thine  hand  and  satisfiest 
the  desire  of  every  living  thing. 

Historical  examples:  Joseph,  David,  Christ. 

NO    OBJECTION    TO    BE    MADE    AGAINST    GOD'S    GOVERN- 
MENT OF  THE  WORLD 

a)  because  of  evil  in  nature ; 

Rom.  5 :  3,  5-  And  not  only  so,  but  we  glory  in 
tribulations  also :  knowing  that  tribulation  work- 
eth  patience ;  and  patience  experience ;  and 
experience,  hope,  and  hope  maketh  not  ashamed. 

b)  because  of  sin; 

Ps.  50:  21.  These  things  hast  thou  done,  and 
I  kept  silence ;  thou  thoughtest  that  I  was  alto- 
gether such  an  one  as  thyself:  but  I  will  reprove 
thee,  and  set  them  in  order  before  thine  eyes. 

Gen.  50:  20.  Ye  meant  evil  against  me;  but 
God  meant  it  for  good,  to  bring  to  pass,  as  it  is 
this  day,  to  save  much  people  alive. 

c)  because  of  the  sufferings  of  the  pious. 

Isa.  26:  16.  Lord,  in  trouble  they  looked  for 
Thee,  they  poured  out  a  prayer  when  Thy 
chastening  was  upon  them. 

Isa.  55 :  8,  9.  For  my  thoughts  are  not  your 
thoughts,  neither  are  your  ways  my  ways,  saith 
the  Lord.  For  as  the  heavens  are  higher  than 
the  earth,  so  are  my  ways  higher  than  your  ways, 
and  my  thoughts  than  your  thoughts. 

Question  28.  What  does  it  profit  us  to  know 
that  God  has  created,  and  by  His  providence 
still  upholds  all  things ? 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

That  we  may  be  patient  in  adversity; 
thankful  in  prosperity ;  and  for  what  is  fu- 
ture, have  good  confidence  in  our  faithful 
God  and  Father,  that  no  creature  shall  sepa- 
rate us  from  His  love ;  since  all  creatures 
are  so  in  His  hand,  that  without  His  will 
they  cannot  so  much  as  move. 

i  Thess.  5 :  18.  In  everything  give  thanks :  for 
this  is  the  will  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  concern- 
ing you. 

Ps.  71 :  7.  I  am  as  a  wonder  unto  many;  but 
Thou  art  my  strong  refuge. 

Rom.  8 :  35,  38,  39.  Who  shall  separate  us  from 
the  love  of  Christ?  shall  tribulation,  or  distress, 
or  persecution,  or  famine,  or  nakedness,  or  peril, 
or  sword?  For  I  am  persuaded,  that  neither 
death,  nor  life,  nor  angels,  nor  principalities,  nor 
powers,  nor  things  present,  nor  things  to  come, 
nor  height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature, 
shall  be  able  to  separate  us  from  the  love  of  God 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord. 

God's  providence  is  described  most  beautifully  in  the  23rd 
Psalm. 

Of  God  the  Son. 
11.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Luke  2:  21-39. 
Hymn  No.  477.     Exalted  Jesus. 

Question  29.  Why  is  the  Son  of  God  called 
Jesus,  that  is  Saviour? 

Because  He  saves  us  from  our  sins ;  and 

46 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

no  salvation  is  to  be  either  sought  or  found 
in  any  other. 

Matt.  1 :  21.  And  thou  shalt  call  His  name 
Jesus :  for  He  shall  save  His  people  from  their 
sins. 

Acts  4 :  12.  Neither  is  there  salvation  in  any 
other :  for  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven 
given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved. 

John  6:  38.     1  Tim.  1  :  15.     1  Cor.  3:  11. 


Question  30.  Do  such  then  believe  in  the  only 
Saviour  Jesus,  who  seek  their  salvation  and  wel- 
fare of  saints,  of  themselves,  or  anywhere  else? 

No;  although  they  may  make  their  boast 
of  Him,  yet  in  act  they  deny  the  only  Sav- 
iour Jesus.  For  either  Jesus  is  not  a  com- 
plete Saviour,  or  they  who  by  true  faith 
receive  this  Saviour,  must  have  in  Him  all 
that  is  necessary  to  their  salvation. 

Col.  1 :  19,  20.     For  it  pleased  the  Father  that 

in  Him  should  all  fulness  dwell ;  and  by  Him  to 
reconcile  all  things  unto  Himself,  whether  they 
be  things  in  earth,  or  things  in  heaven. 

1  Cor.  1:  13.  Is  Christ  divided?  was  Paul 
crucified  for  you?  or  were  ye  baptized  in  the 
name  of  Paul? 

Gal.  5:  4.  Historical  examples:  Acts  14:  8—18.  Paul  and 
Barnabas  at  Lystra. 

47 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

12.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Matt.  3. 
Hymn  No.  209.     To  Christ. 

Question  31.  Why  is  He  called  Christ,  that 
is,  Anointed? 

Because  He  is  ordained  of  God  the  Fath- 
er, and  anointed  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  to  be 
our  chief  Prophet  and  Teacher,  who  fully 
reveals  to  us  the  secret  counsel  and  will  of 
God  concerning  our  redemption;  and  our 
only  High  Priest,  who  by  the  one  sacrifice 
of  His  body  has  redeemed  us,  and  ever 
liveth  to  make  intercession  for  us  with  the 
Father ;  and  our  eternal  King,  who  governs 
us  by  His  Word  and  Spirit,  and  defends  and 
preserves  us  in  the  redemption  obtained  for 
us. 

CHRIST    HAS    THREE    OFFICES. 

a)  The  office  of  Teacher  and  Prophet, 

in  which  He  revealed  the  counsel  of  God  con- 
cerning our  redemption,  prophesied,  performed 
miracles,  and  sealed  His  doctrine  with  holy  con- 
duct. 

Isa.  61 :  1,  2.  The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon 
me,  because  He  hath  anointed  me  to  preach  the 
gospel  to  the  poor;  He  hath  sent  me  to  heal  the 
brokenhearted,  to  preach  deliverance  to  the  cap- 
tives, and  recovering  of  sight  to  the  blind,  to  set 
48 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

at  liberty  them  that  are  bruised,  to  preach  the 
acceptable  year  of  the  Lord. 

Matt,  n:  5.  The  blind  receive  their  sight,  and 
the  lame  walk,  the  lepers  are  cleansed,  and  the 
deaf  hear,  the  dead  are  raised  up,  and  the  poor 
have  the  gospel  preached  to  them. 

b)  The  office  of  High-priest, 

in  which  He  offered  sacrifice,  prayed,  blessed. 

1  Pet.  2:  24.  Who  His  own  self  bare  our  sins 
in  His  own  body  on  the  tree,  that  we,  being  dead 
to  sins,  should  live  unto  righteousness :  by  whose 
stripes  ye  were  healed. 

Luke  24 :  50.  And  He  led  them  out  as  far  as 
Bethany,  and  He  lifted  up  His  hands  and  blessed 
them. 

c)  The   office  of  King, 

in  which  He  gave  commandments,  rules  over  His 
subjects  and  protects  them. 

John  15 :  12.  This  is  my  commandment,  That 
ye  love  one  another,  as  I  have  loved  you. 

Matt.  28 :  18.  And  Jesus  came  and  spake  unto 
them,  saying,  All  power  is  given  unto  me  in 
heaven  and  in  earth. 

Rev.  19 :  16.  And  He  hath  on  His  vesture  and 
on  His  thigh  a  name  written,  King  of  kings,  and 
Lord  of  lords. 

Question  32.  But  why  art  thou  called  a  Chris- 
tian ? 

Because  by  faith  I  am  a  member  of  Christ, 
and  thus  a  partaker    of  His    anointing;    in 
order  that  I  also   may   confess   His  name; 
49 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

may  present  myself  a  living  sacrifice  of 
thankfulness  to  Him;  and  may  with  free 
conscience  fight  against  sin  and  the  devil  in 
this  life,  and  hereafter,  in  eternity,  reign 
with  Him  over  all  creatures. 

i  John  2 :  20,  27.  But  ye  have  an  unction  from 
the  Holy  One,  and  ye  know  all  things.  But  the 
anointing  which  ye  have  received  of  Him  abideth 
in  you. 

Matt.  10:  32.  Whosoever  therefore  shall  con- 
fess me  before  men,  him  will  I  confess  also  be- 
fore my  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

Rom.  12:  1.  I  beseech  you  therefore,  brethren, 
by  the  mercies  of  God,  that  ye  present  your  bod- 
ies a  living  sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto  God, 
which  is  your  reasonable  service. 

Eph.  6:  12.  For  we  wrestle  not  against  flesh 
and  blood,  but  against  principalities,  against 
powers,  against  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of  this 
world,  against  spiritual  wickedness  in  high 
places. 

13.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    John  1. 

Hymn  No.    102.     Lord   divine. 

Question  33.  Why  is  He  called  God's  only 
begotten  Son,  since  we  also  are  the  children  of 
God? 

Because  Christ  alone  is  the  eternal, 
natural  Son  of  God;  but  we  are  children  of 
God  by  adoption  through  grace  for  His  sake. 

50 


Ot  Man's  Redemption. 

Question  34.    Why  callest  thou  Him  our  Lord? 

Because,  not  with  silver  or  gold,  but  with 
His  precious  blood,  He  has  redeemed  and 
purchased  us,  body  and  soul,  from  sin  and 
from  all  the  power  of  the  devil,  to  be  His 
own. 

THE    DIVINITY   OF    CHRIST    IS    SET    CLEAR,    INASMUCH 
AS  THE   SCRIPTURES  ASCRIBE  TO  THE  REDEEMER 

i.  Divine  Names. 

John  20:  28.  And  Thomas  answered  and  said 
unto  Him,  My  Lord  and  my  God. 

Rom.  9:  5.  Whose  are  the  fathers,  and  of 
whom  as  concerning  the  flesh  Christ  came,  who 
is  over  all,  God  blessed  forever. 

Acts  2 :  36.  Therefore  let  all  the  house  of 
Israel  know  assuredly,  that  God  hath  made  that 
same  Jesus,  whom  ye  have  crucified,  both  Lord 
and  Christ. 

I  Pet.  1  :  18,  19.     Heb.  2:  14,  15. 

2.  Divine  Perfection, 

for  instance  omniscience,  John  21 :  17,  Lord, 
Thou  knowest  all  things.  Omni-presence,  Matt. 
28 :  20,  Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the 
end  of  the  world.  Omnipotence,  Matt.  28:  18, 
All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in 
earth.  Everlasting,  John  17:  5,  O  Father,  glorify 
Thou  me  with  Thine  own  self  with  the  glory 
which  I  had  with  Thee  before  the  world  was. 
Unchangeableness  Heb.  13 :  8,  Jesus  Christ  the 
same  yesterday,  and  today,  and  forever. 
51 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

3.  Divine  Works. 

John  1 :  1-3.  In  the  beginning  was  the  Word, 
and  the  Word  was  with  God,  and  the  Word  was 
God.  The  same  was  in  the  beginning  with  God. 
All  things  were  made  by  Him;  and  without  Him 
was  not  anything  made  that  was  made. 

4.  Divine  Honor. 

John  5  :  23.  That  all  men  shall  honor  the  Son, 
even  as  they  honor  the  Father.  He  that  honor- 
eth  not  the  Son  honoreth  not  the  Father  which 
hath  sent  Him. 

14.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Luke  1:  26-38. 

Hymn  No.  697.     No  more  sadness  now. 

Question  35.  What  is  the  meaning  of:  Con- 
ceived by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin 
Mary? 

That  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  who  is  and 
continues  true  and  eternal  God,  took  upon 
Him  the  very  nature  of  man,  of  the  flesh 
and  blood  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  by  the  oper- 
ation of  the  Holy  Ghost;  so  that  He  also 
might  be  the  true  seed  of  David,  like  unto 
his  brethren  in  all  things,  sin  excepted. 

the  state  of  humiliation  of  christ: 

First  step.    His  human  birth. 

Isa.  9:  6,  7.     Unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto  us 

a  son  is  given;   and  the  government  shall  be  upon 

His    shoulders:    and    His    name    shall    be    called 

Wonderful,  Counsellor.  Mighty  God,  Everlasting 

52 


Or  Man's  Redemption. 

Father,  Prince  of  Peace.  Of  the  increase  of  His 
government  and  of  peace  there  shall  be  no  end, 
upon  the  throne  of  David,  and  upon  his  kingdom, 
to  establish  it,  and  to  uphold  it  with  judgment 
and  with  righteousness  from  henceforth  even  for 
ever. 

Rom.  i :  3,  4.  Concerning  His  Son,  which  was 
made  of  the  seed  of  David  according  to  the  flesh; 
and  declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  power, 
according  to  the  Spirit. 

Heb.  4:  15.  For  we  have  not  an  high  priest 
which  cannot  be  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our 
infirmities :  but  was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as 
we  are,  yet  without  sin. 

Question  36.  What  benefit  dost  thou  receive 
from  the  holy  conception  and  birth  of  Christ? 

That  He  is  our  Mediator,  and  with  His 
innocence  and  perfect  holiness  covers,  in  the 
sight  of  God,  my  sin,  wherein  I  was  con- 
ceived. 

1  Tim.  2 :  5.  For  there  is  one  God,  and  one 
mediator  between  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ 
Jesus. 

Rom.  8 :  3.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in 
that  it  was  weak  through  flesh,  God  sending  His 
own  Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for 
sin,  condemned  sin  in  the  flesh. 

1  Pet.  1  :  19.     2  Cor.  5:  21. 

15.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Matt.  27. 

Hymn  No.  241.     O  sacred  Head  now  wounded. 

Question  37.  What  dost  thou  understand  by 
the  word:    Suffered? 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

That  all  the  time  He  lived  on  earth,  but 
especially  at  the  end  of  His  life,  He  bore, 
in  body  and  soul,  the  wrath  of  God  against 
the  sin  of  the  whole  human  race;  in  order 
that  by  His  passion,  as  the  only  atoning 
sacrifice,  He  might  redeem  our  body  and 
soul  from  everlasting  damnation,  and  obtain 
for  us  the  grace  of  God,  righteousness,  and 
eternal  life. 

Second  step.    His  suffering  in  body  and  soul. 

Ps.  22:  14-16.  I  am  poured  out  like  water,  and 
all  my  bones  are  out  of  joint:  my  heart  is  like 
wax:  it  is  melted  in  the  midst  of  my  bowels.  My 
strength  is  dried  up  like  a  potsherd ;  and  my 
tongue  cleaveth  to  my  jaws;  they  pierced  my 
hands  and  my  feet. 

Matt.  26:  38.  My  soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful, 
even  unto  death. 

1  Pet.  2 :  24.  Who  His  own  self  bore  our 
sins  in  His  own  body  on  the  tree,  that  we,  being 
dead  to  sins,  should  live  unto  righteousness :  by 
whose  stripes  ye  were  healed. 

2  Cor.  5  :  21.  For  He  hath  made  Him  to  be 
sin  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin ;  that  we  might  be 
made  the  righteousness  of  God  in  Him. 

Question  38.  Why  did  He  suffer  under  Pon- 
tius Pilate,  as  judge? 

That  He,  being  innocent,  might  be  con- 
demned by  the  temporal  judge,  and  thereby 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

deliver  us  from  the  severe  judgment  of  God, 
to  which  we  are  exposed. 

Luke  23 :  14,  15.  Behold,  I,  having  examined 
Him  before  you,  have  found  no  fault  in  this 
man  touching  those  things  whereof  ye  accuse 
Him ;  no,  nor  yet  Herod  :  for  I  sent  you  to  him ; 
and,  lo,  nothing  worthy  of  death  is  done  unto 
Him. 

Matt.  27:  24.    John  18:  38;    19:  4. 

The  Catechumens  ought  now  to  learn  to  relate  the  passion 
of  Christ  connectedly. 

What  are  the  seven  last  words  of  Jesus  ? 


Question  39.  Is  there  anything  more  in  His 
having  been  crucified,  than  if  He  had  died  some 
other  death? 

Yes:  for  thereby  I  am  assured,  that  He 
took  on  Himself  the  curse  which  lay  upon 
me;  because  the  death  of  the  cross  was 
accursed  of  God. 

Gal.  3:  13.  Christ  hath  redeemed  us  from  the 
curse  of  the  law,  being  made  a  curse  for  us :  for 
it  is  written,  Cursed  is  every  one  that  hangeth  on 
a  tree. 

Deut.  21 :  22,  23.  If  a  man  have  committed  a 
sin  worthy  of  death,  and  he  be  put  to  death,  and 
thou  hang  him1  on  a  tree ;  his  body  shall  not  re- 
main all  night  upon  the  tree,  but  thou  shalt  surely 
bury  him  the  same  day ;  for  he  that  is  hanged  is 
accursed  of  God;  that  thou  defile  not  thy  land. 

55 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

16.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    John  19:  28-42. 

Hymn  No.  184.     Jesus,  Thy  blood  and. 

Question  40.  Why  was  it  necessary  for  Christ 
to  suffer  death  ? 

Because,  by  reason  of  the  justice  and 
truth  of  God,  satisfaction  for  our  sins  could 
be  made  no  otherwise  than  by  the  death  of 
the  Son  of  God. 

Third  step.     His  death. 

Rom.  6:  23.  The  wages  of  sin  is  death;  but 
the  gift  of  God  is  eternal  life  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord. 

Rom.  5:  10.  For  if,  when  we  were  enemies,  we 
were  reconciled  to  God  by  the  death  of  His  Son, 
much  more,  being  reconciled,  we  shall  be  saved  by 
His  life. 

Gen.  2:  17.  But  of  the  tree  of  knowledge  of 
good  and  evil  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it:  for  in  the 
day  that  thou  eatest  thereof  thou  shalt  surely  die. 

Question  41.     Why  was  He  buried? 
To  show  thereby  that  He  was  really  dead. 

Fourth  step.    His  burial. 

1  Cor.  15  :  3,  4.  For  I  delivered  unto  you  first 
of  all  that  which  I  also  received,  how  that  Christ 
died  for  our  sins  according  to  the  Scriptures* 
and  that  He  was  buried. 

Christ's  burial  related  Mark  15:  42-47.    Isa.  53:  9. 
56 


Oi  Man's  Redemption. 

Phil.  I  :  21,  23.  For  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and 
to  die  is  gain. — I  having  a  desire  to  depart,  and 
to  be  with  Christ ;    which  is  far  better. 

John  8:  51.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  If  a 
man  keep  my  saying,  he  shall  never  see  death. 

Question  42.  Since  then  Christ  died  for  us, 
why  must  we  also  die? 

Our  death  is  not  a  satisfaction  for  our 
sin,  but  only  a  dying  to  sins  and  entering 
into  eternal  life. 

Question  43.  What  further  benefit  do  we  re- 
ceive from  the  sacrifice  and  death  of  Christ  on 
the  cross? 

That  by  His  power  our  old  man  is  with 
Him  crucified,  slain  and  buried ;  that  so  the 
evil  lusts  of  the  flesh  may  no  more  reign  in 
us,  but  that  we  may  offer  ourselves  unto 
Him  a  sacrifice  of  thanksgiving. 

Rom.  6:  6.  Knowing  this,  that  our  old  man  is 
crucified  with  Him,  that  the  body  of  sin  might  be 
destroyed,  that  henceforth  we  should  not  serve 
sin. 

See  also  verses  11  and  12. 

2  Cor.  5 :  15.  He  died  for  all,  that  they  which 
live  should  not  henceforth  live  unto  themselves, 
but  unto  Him  which  died  for  them  and  rose 
again. 

Rom.  12:  i,  2.     Rom.  6:  12,  13. 

57 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Question  44.  Why  is  it  added:  He  descended 
into  hell? 

That  in  my  greatest  temptations  I  may 
be  assured  that  Christ,  my  Lord,  by  His 
inexpressible  anguish,  pains,  and  terrors 
which  He  suffered  in  His  soul  on  the  cross 
and  before,  has  redeemed  me  from  the  an- 
guish and  torment  of  hell. 

Ps.  18:  4.  The  sorrows  of  death  compassed 
me,  and  the  floods  of  ungodly  men  made  me 
afraid. 

Matt.  27:  46.  And  about  the  ninth  hour  Jesus 
cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  Eli,  Eli,  lama 
sabachthani  ?  that  is  to  say,  My  God,  My  God, 
why  hast  Thou  forsaken  me? 

Hos.  13:  14-     Ps.  116:  3. 

17.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    1  Cor.  15. 
Hymn  No.  366.     Jesus  lives. 

Question  45.  What  benefit  do  we  receive  from 
the  Resurrection  of  Christ? 

First,  by  His  resurrection  He  has  over- 
come death,  that  He  might  make  us  partak- 
ers of  the  righteousness  which  by  His  death 
He  has  obtained  for  us.  Secondly,  we  also 
are  now  by  His  power  raised  up  to  a  new 
life.  Thirdly,  the  resurrection  of  Christ  is 
to  us  a  sure  pledge  of  our  blessed  resur- 
rection. 

58 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

THE    STATE    OF    EXALTATION    OF    CHRIST. 

First  step.     His  resurrection. 

i  Cor.  15 :  55-57.  Death  is  swallowed  up  in 
victory.  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting?  O  grave, 
where  is  thy  victory?  But  thanks  be  to  God, 
which  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

1  Pet.  1 :  3.  Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  which  according  to  His 
abundant  mercy,  hath  begotten  us  again  unto  a 
lively  hope  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ 
from  the  dead. 

1  Cor.  15 :  20,  21.  But  now  is  Christ  risen 
from  the  dead,  and  became  the  firstfruits  of  them 
that  slept.  For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man 
came  also  the  resurrection  of  the  dead. 

Rom.  4:  25.     Rom.  6:4,  5.     Rom.  8:  II. 

The  resurrection-story  is  given  at  the  close  of  the  four  Gos- 
pels.   Try  to  bring  it  into  its  proper  order  and  sequence. 

18.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Acts  1 :  i-i\. 

Hymn  No.  308.     Hail,  Thou  once  despised. 

Question  46.  How  dost  thou  understand  the 
words:    He  ascended  into  heaven? 

That  Christ,  in  sight  of  His  disciples,  was 

taken  up  from  the  earth  into  heaven ;  and  in 

our  behalf    there  continues,    until  He  shall 

come  again  to  judge  the  living  and  the  dead. 

59 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Second  step.     His  ascension. 

Acts  i :  9.  And  when  He  had  spoken  these 
things,  while  they  beheld,  He  was  taken  up ;  and 
a  cloud  received  Him  out  of  their  sight. 

Col.  3  :  1.  Seek  those  things  which  are  above, 
where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God. 

Matt.  24 :  30.  And  then  shall  appear  the  sign 
of  the  Son  of  man  in  heaven :  and  then  shall  the 
tribes  of  the  earth  mourn,  and  they  shall  see  the 
Son  of  man  coming  in  the  clouds  of  heaven  with 
power  and  great  glory. 

Question  47.  Is  not  then  Christ  with  us  even 
unto  the  end  of  the  world,  as  He  has  promised? 

Christ  is  true  Man  and  true  God :  accord- 
ing to  His  human  nature,  He  is  now  not  on 
earth;  but  according  to  His  Godhead,  majes- 
ty, grace,  and  Spirit,  He  is  at  no  time  absent 
from  us. 

Matt.  28 :  20.  Lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even 
unto  the  end  of  the  world. 

John  16:  28.  I  came  forth  from  the  Father, 
and  am  come  into  the  world;  again,  I  leave  the 
world  and  go  to  the^Father. 

Matt.  26:  11.  For  ye  have  the  poor  always 
with  you ;   but  me  ye  have  not  always. 

Matt.  18:  20.     Heb.  8:  4.     John  14:  18. 

Question  48.  But  are  not,  in  this  way,  the 
two  natures  in  Christ  separated  from  one  an- 
other, if  the  Manhood  be  not  wherever  the  God- 
head is? 

By  no  means;  for  since  the  Godhead  is 

GO 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

incomprehensible  and  everywhere  present, 
it  must  follow  that  it  is  indeed  beyond  the 
bounds  of  the  Manhood  which  it  has  as- 
sumed, but  is  yet  none  the  less  in  the  same 
also,  and  remains  personally  united  to  it. 

John  i  :  48.  Nathanael  saith  unto  Him,  whence 
knowest  thou  me?  Jesus  answered  and  said  un- 
to him,  Before  that  Philip  called  thee,  when  thou 
wast  under  the  fig-tree,  I  saw  thee. 

John  n:  15.  And  I  am  glad  for  your  sakes 
that  I  was  not  there. 

1  Kings  8:  27.     Eph.  4:  9,  10. 
In  the  first  of  these  two  passages  Christ  is  omnipresent  ac- 
cording to  His  divinity;  in  the  second,  He  is  not  omnipresent 
according  to  His  humanity. 

Question  49.  What  benefit  do  we  receive  from 
Christ's  ascension  into  heaven? 

First,  that  He  is  our  Advocate  in  the  pres- 
ence of  His  Father  in  heaven.  Secondly, 
that  we  have  our  flesh  in  heaven,  as  a  sure 
pledge,  that  He,  as  the  Head,  will  also  take 
us,  His  members,  up  to  Himself.  Thirdly, 
that  He  sends  us  His  Spirit,  as  an  earnest, 
by  whose  power  we  seek  those  things  which 
are  above,  where  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right 
hand  of  God,  and  not  things  on  the  earth. 

1  John  2:  1.  And  if  any  man  sin,  we  have  an 
advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  right- 
eous. 

John  14:  2,  3.  In  my  Father's  house  are  many 
61 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

mansions:  if  it  were  not  so,  I  would  have  told 
you.  I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you.  And  if 
I  go  and  prepare  a  place  for  you,  I  will  come 
again,  and  receive  you  unto  myself;  that  where 
I  am,  there  ye  may  be  also. 

John  16:  7.  Nevertheless  I  tell  you  the  truth; 
It  is  expedient  for  you  that  I  go  away:  for  if  I 
go  not  away,  the  Comforter  will  not  come  unto 
you ;    but  if  I  depart,  I  will  send  Him  unto  you. 

Heb.  9:  24.  Rom.  8:  31.  John  17:  24.  2  Cor. 
1  :  21,  22.     Col.  3:  1. 

19.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Acts  7:  55-59- 

Hymn  No.  306.     Let  us  awake  our  joys. 

Question  50.     Why  is  it  added:    And  sitteth 

AT   THE   RIGHT    HAND   OF    GOD  ? 

Because  Christ  ascended  into  heaven  for 
this  end,  that  He  might  there  appear  as 
Head  of  His  Church,  by  whom  the  Father 
governs  all  things. 

Third  step.     His  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of  God. 

1  Pet.  3 :  22.  Who  is  gone  into  heaven,  and  is 
on  the  right  hand  of  God ;  angels  and  authorities 
and  powers  being  made  subject  unto  Him. 

Eph.  1:  20-23.  John  5:  22,  23.  Ps.  no:  1. 
Matt.  26:  84. 

Question  51.  What  benefit  do  we  receive  from 
this  glory  of  our  Head,  Christ? 

First,  that  by  His  Holy  Spirit  He   sheds 

62 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

forth  heavenly  gifts  in  us,  His  members ; 
then,  that  by  His  power  He  defends  and 
preserves  us  against  all  enemies. 

Eph.  4 :  8.  Wherefore  He  saith,  When  He  as- 
cended up'  on  high,  He  led  captivity  captive,  and 
gave  gifts  unto  men. 

The  gift  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  Acts  2. 

John  io :  28.  And  I  give  unto  them  eternal 
life;  and  they  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall 
any  man  pluck  them  out  of  my  hand. 

Ps.  no.  1,  2.     1  Cor.  15:  25,  26. 

Question  52.     What  comfort  is  it  to  thee,  that 

Christ  SHALL  COME  AGAIN  TO  JUDGE  THE  QUICK 
AND   THE' DEAD? 

That  in  all  my  sorrows  and  persecutions, 
with  uplifted  head,  I  look  for  the  selfsame 
One,  who  has  before  offered  Himself  for 
me  to  the  judgment  of  God  and  removed 
from  me  all  curse,  to  come  again  as  Judge 
from  heaven ;  who  shall  cast  all  His  and  my 
enemies  into  everlasting  condemnation,  but 
shall  take  me,  with  all  His  chosen  ones,  to 
Himself,  into  heavenly  joy  and  glory. 

Phil.  3  :  20.  For  our  conversation  is  in  heaven ; 
from  whence  also  we  look  for  the  Saviour,  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Luke  21 :  28.     And  when  these  things  begin  to 
come   to    pass,    then    look    up,    and    lift   up   your 
heads ;    for  your  redemption  draweth  nigh. 
Acts  1: 10.  11.    The  angel's  annunciatian. 

Matt.  25:  41.     Then    shall    He    say    also    unto 
them    on    the    left    hand.    Depart    from    me,    ye 
03 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

cursed,    into    everlasting    fire,    prepared    for    the 
devil  and  his  angels. 

Matt.  25 :  34.  Then  shall  the  King  say  unto 
them  on  His  right  hand,  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my 
Father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you 
from  the  foundation  of  the  world. 

Matt.  24.    The  last  adversity  and  the  coming  of  Christ. 

i  Thess.  4:  16.  2  Thess.  1:  6-10.  Rev.  21:  1-7. 
Rev.  20 :  10. 


Of  God  the  Holy  Ghost. 
20.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Acts  2.     The  first  Pentecost. 
Hymn  No.  326.     Come,  gracious  Spirit. 

Question  53.  What  dost  thou  believe  concern- 
ing the  Holy  Ghost? 

First,  that  He  is  co-eternal  God  with  the 
Father  and  the  Son.  Secondly,  that  He  is 
also  g'wen  unto  me ;  makes  me  by  a  true 
faith  partaker  of  Christ  and  all  His  bene- 
fits ;  comforts  me ;  and  shall  abide  with  me 
forever. 

Acts  5 :  3,  4.  But  Peter  said,  Ananias,  why 
hath  Satan  filled  thine  heart  to  lie  to  the  Holy 
Ghost,  thou  hast  not  lied  unto  men,  but  unto 
God. 

Gen.  1:  2.    The  Spirit  of  God. 

1  John  4:  13.     Hereby  know  we  that  we  dwell 

64 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

in  Him,  and  He  in  us,  because  He  hath  given  us 
of  His  Spirit. 

Eph.  i :  13.  In  whom  also  after  that  ye  be- 
lieved, ye  were  sealed  with  that  holy  Spirit  of 
promise. 

Some  of  the  benefits  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
(Ghost)  :  Calling,  illumination,  faith,  t^he 
witness  of  sonship  of  god,  power  for  prayer 
and  sanctification,  the  sealing  unto  redemp- 
tion and  the  efficacious  comfort  in  life  and 

DEATH. 

2  Thess.  2:  13,  14.  God  hath  from  the  begin- 
ning chosen  you  to  salvation  through  sanctifica- 
tion  of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth  :  where- 
unto  He  called  you  by  our  gospel,  to  the  obtain- 
ing of  the  glory  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

Rom.  8:  26.  The  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  in- 
firmities :  for  we  know  not  what  we  should  pray 
for  as  we  ought:  but  the  Spirit  itself  maketh  in- 
tercession for  us  with  groanings  which  cannot  be 
uttered. 

Rom.  15 :  13.  Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you 
with  all  joy  and  peace  in  believing,  that  ye  may 
abound  in  hope,  through  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost. 

John  14:  26.  But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the 
Holy  Ghost,  whom  the  Father  will  send  in  my 
name,  He  shall  teach  you  all  things,  and  bring 
all  things  to  your  remembrance,  whatsoever  I 
have  said  unto  you. 

John  14:  16.  And  I  will  pray  the  Father,  and 
He  shall  give  you  another  Comforter,  that  He 
may  abide  with  you  forever. 

Acts  9 :  31.  Gal.  3  :  14.  Rom.  8  :  9.    1  John  2  :  27. 

The  Samaritans  receive  the  Holy  Ghost,  Acts  8:   14,  s*. 
The  Ephesians  likewise,  Acts  19: 1,  ss. 
3  65 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

21.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  I  Cor.  12:  4-27. 
Hymn  No.  436.     I  love  Thy  kingdom. 

Question  54.  What  dost  thou  believe  concern- 
ing the  Holy  Catholic  Church? 

That,  out  of  the  whole  human  race,  from 
the  beginning  to  the  end  of  the  world,  the 
Son  of  God,  by  His  Spirit  and  Word,  gath- 
ers, defends  and  preserves  for  Himself  un- 
to everlasting  life,'  a  chosen  communion,  in 
the  unity  of  the  true  faith;  and  that  I  am, 
and  forever  shall  remain,  a  living  member 
of  the  same. 

THE   CREED   DESCRIBES   THE  CHURCH 

a)  as  one. 

Eph.  4 :  4-6.  One  body,  and  one  Spirit,  even  as 
ye  are  called  in  one  hope  of  your  calling;  one 
Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism,  one  God  and  Father 
of  us  all,  who  is  above  all,  and  through  all,  and 
in  you  all. 

b)  as  holy. 

1  Pet.  2 :  9.  But  ye  are  a  chosen  generation,  a 
royal  priesthood,  a  holy  nation,  a  peculiar  peo- 
ple; that  ye  should  shew  forth  the  praises  of 
Him  who  hath  called  you  out  of  darkness  into 
His  marvelous  light. 

c)  as  catholic  (universal). 

Gal.  3 :  28.  There  is  neither  Jew  nor  Greek, 
there  is  neither  bond  nor   free,   there  is  neither 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

male  nor   female :     for  ye  are  all  one  in   Christ 
Jesus. 

d)  a  Christian. 

1  Cor.  3  :  11.  For  other  foundation  can  no  man 
lay  than  that  is  laid,  which  is  in  Jesus  Christ. 

THE  CHURCH    IS   ALSO 

a)  invisible. 

Eph.  i :  4.  According  as  He  hath  chosen  us  in 
Him  (Christ)  before  the  foundation  of  the  world, 
that  we  should  be  holy  and  without  blame  before 
Him  in  love. 

b)  visible. 

Acts  2:  41,  42.  They  that  gladly  received  His 
word  were  baptized :  and  the  same  day  there 
were  added  unto  them  about  three  thousand 
souls.  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in  the 
apostles'  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in  break- 
ing of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 

THE  CHURCH   IS  FINALLY 

a)  militant  on  earth. 

Eph.  6:  10-12.  For  we  wrestle  not  against 
flesh  and  blood,  but  against  principalities,  against 
powers,  against  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of 
this  world,  against  spiritual  wickedness  in  high 
places. 

b)  triumphant  in  heaven. 

Rev.  19 :  6,  7.  Alleluia :  for  the  Lord  God  om- 
nipotent reigneth.  Let  us  be  glad  and  rejoice, 
and  give  honor  to  Him :  for  the  marriage  of  the 
Lamb  is  come. 

67 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Question  55.     What  dost  thou  understand  by 

the   COMMUNION    OF    SAINTS? 

First,  that  believers,  all  and  every  one, 
as  members  of  Christ  have  part  in  Him  and 
in  all  His  treasures  and  gifts ;  secondly,  that 
each  one  must  feel  himself  bound  to  use  his 
gifts,  readily  and  cheerfully,  for  the  advan- 
tage and  welfare  of  other  members. 

1  John  1 :  3.  That  which  we  have  seen  and 
heard  declare  we  unto  you,  that  ye  may  have  fel- 
lowship with  us  :  and  truly  our  fellowship  is  with 
the  Father,  and  with  His  Son  Jesus  Christ. 

Question  56.  What  dost  thou  believe  concern- 
ing the  forgiveness  of  sins? 

That  God,  for  the  sake  of  Christ's  satis- 
faction, will  no  more  remember  my  sins, 
neither  the  sinful  nature  with  which  I  have 
to  struggle  all  my  life  long;  but  graciously 
imparts  to  me  the  righteousness  of  Christ, 
that  I  may  nevermore  come  into  condem- 
nation. 

Eph.  1:7.  In  whom  we  have  redemption 
through  His  blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  ac- 
cording to  the  riches  of  His  grace. 

Rom.  4:  7,  8.  (Ps.  32.)  Blessed  are  they 
whose  iniquities  are  forgiven,  and  whose  sins 
are  covered.  Blessed  is  the  man  to  whom  the 
Lord  will  not  impute  sin. 

John  3,  18.  He  that  believeth  on  Him,  is  not 
condemned. 

Rom.  7:  23—25,  concerning  our  sinful  nature. 
Matt.  9:  1—8.    The  man  sick  of  the  palsy  receives  forgive- 
ness of  his  sins.    Also  the  sinner,  Luke  7:  48. 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

22.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  I  Cor.  15:  35  ss. 
Hymn  No.  273.    Jesus  lives. 

Question  57.  What  comfort  does  the  resur- 
rection of  the  body  afford  theer 

That  not  only  my  soul,  after  this  life, 
shall  be  immediately  taken  up  to  Christ  its 
Head ;  but  also  that  this  my  body,  raised  by 
the  power  of  Christ,  shall  again  be  united 
with  my  soul,  and  made  like  unto  the  glori- 
ous body  of  Christ. 

The  soul  is  immortal. 

The  soul  goes  to  Christ  immediately,  Luke  23 : 
43.  And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  Verily  I  say  unto 
thee,  Today  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  paradise. 

2  Cor.  5 :  8.  We  are  confident,  I  say,  and  wil- 
ling rather  to  be  absent  from  the  body,  and  to  be 
present  with  the  Lord. 

The  body  goes  to  Christ  finally,  Phil.  3:  21. 
Who  shall  change  our  vile  body,  that  it  may  be 
fashioned  like  unto  His  glorious  body,  according 
to  the  working  whereby  He  is  able  even  to  sub- 
due all  things  unto  himself. 

John  5  :  28,  29.    Job  19 :  25-27. 

Question  58.  What  comfort  hast  thou  from 
the  article  of  the  life  everlasting? 

That,  inasmuch  as  I  now  feel  in  my  heart 
the  beginning  of  eternal  joy,  I  shall  after 
this  life  possess  complete  bliss,  such  as  eye 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  hath 
entered  into  the  heart  of  man;  therein  to 
praise  God  for  ever. 

Rom.  8:  23.  But  ourselves,  which  have  the 
first-fruits  of  the  Spirit,  even  we  ourselves  groan 
within  ourselves*  waiting  for  the  adoption,  to 
wit,  the  redemption  of  our  body. 

1  Cor.  2 :  9.  Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard, 
neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  the 
things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  that 
love  Him. 

Rev.  12:  11.  They  overcome  him  by  the  blood 
of  the  Lamb,  and  by  the  word  of  their  testimony ; 
and  they  loved  not  their  lives  unto  the  death. 

Rom.  8:6.  To  be  carnally  minded  is  death ; 
but  to  be  spiritually  minded  is  life  and  peace. 

1  Pet.  1:  8.     Rev.  7:  15.     1  Cor.  13:  10. 

23.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Luke  15:  11-32.  The  Prodigal 
Son. 

Hymn  No.  398.     Grace  'tis  a  charming  sound. 

Question  59.  But  what  does  it  help  thee  now, 
that  thou  believest  all  this? 

That  I  am  righteous  in  Christ  before 
God,  and  an  heir  of  eternal  life. 

Question  60.  How  art  thou  righteous  before 
God? 

Only  by  true  faith  in  Jesus  Christ.  That 
is:  although  my  conscience  accuse  me,  that 

70 


Or  Man's  Redemption. 

I  have  grievously  sinned  against  all  the  com- 
mandments of  God,  and  have  never  kept 
any  of  them,  and  that  I  am  still  prone 
always  to  all  evil,  yet  God,  without  any 
merit  of  mine,  of  mere  grace,  grants  and 
imputes  to  me  the  perfect  satisfaction, 
righteousness  and  holiness  of  Christ,  as  if  I 
had  never  committed  nor  had  any  sin,  and 
had  myself  accomplished  all  the  obedience 
which  Christ  has  fulfilled  for  me,  if  only  I 
accept  such  benefit  with  a  believing  heart. 

Question  6i.  Why  say  est  thou,  that  thou  art 
righteous  only  by  faith  f 

Not  that  I  am  acceptable  to  God,  on  ac- 
count of  the  worthiness  of  my  faith ;  but  be- 
cause only  the  satisfaction,  righteousness 
and  holiness  of  Christ  is  my  righteousness 
before  God,  and  I  can  receive  the  same  and 
make  it  my  own  in  no  other  way  than  by 
faith  only. 

THE   JUSTIFICATION   OF   THE    SINNER   BEFORE    GOD 

consists 
a)  in  the  imputation  of  the  merits  of  Christ; 

Gal.  2:  16.  Knowing  that  a  man  is  not  justi- 
fied by  the  works  of  the  law,  but  by  faith  of 
Jesus  Christ,  even  we  have  believed  in  Jesus 
Christ,  that  we  might  be  justified  by  the  faith  of 
Christ,  and  not  by  the  works  of  the  law. 

Rom.  4:  5.  But  to  him  that  worketh  not,  but 
71 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

believeth  on  Him  that  justifieth  the  ungodly,  his 
faith  is  counted  for  righteousness. 

b)  in  the  forgiveness  of  sins  and  the  remission 
of  punishment. 

Isa.  53 :  5.  But  he  was  wounded  for  our 
transgressions,  He  was  bruised  for  our  iniqui- 
ties :  the  chastisement  of  our  peace  was  upon 
Him;    and  with  His  stripes  we  are  healed. 

c)  in  the  reconciliation  with  God. 

Rom.  5:  1,  2.  Therefore  being  justified  by 
faith,  we  have  peace  with  God  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ:  by  whom  also  we  have  access  by 
faith  into  this  grace  wherein  we  stand,  and  re- 
joice in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God. 

d)  is  acquired  only  by  faith,  without  merit  of 
works. 

Gal.  3:  22.  But  the  scripture  hath  concluded 
all  under  sin,  that  the  promise  by  faith  of  Jesus 
Christ  might  be  given  to  them  that  believe. 

Rom.  7:  19.  For  the  good  that  I  would,  I  do 
not;   but  the  evil,  which  I  would  not,  that  do  I. 

Rom.  3 :  28.  Therefore  we  conclude  that  a  man 
is  justified  by  faith  without  the  deeds  of  the 
law. 

Phil.  3 :  9.  Not  having  mine  own  righteous- 
ness, which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is 
72 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

through  faith  of  Christ,  the  righteousness  which 
is  of  God  by  faith. 

e)  is  a  gift  of  the  grace  of  God. 

Eph.  2:  8,  9.  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved 
through  faith;  and  that  not  of  yourselves:  it  is 
the  gift  of  God :  not  of  works,  lest  any  man 
should  boast. 

Rom.  4 :  16.  Therefore  it  is  of  faith,  that  it 
might  be  by  grace. 

Grace  prepares,  converts,  and  perfects.  Eph.  2 : 
10.  For  we  are  His  workmanship,  created  in 
Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works,  which  God  hath 
before  ordained  that  we  should  walk  in  them. 

1  John  5  :  10.     Heb.  11:6. 


24.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Gal.  3:  1-14. 

Hymn  No.  361.     We  give  but  Thine  own. 

Question  62.  But  why  cannot  our  good  works 
be  the  whole  or  part  of  our  righteousness  before 
God? 

Because  the  righteousness  which  can 
stand  before  the  judgment-seat  of  God, 
must  be  perfect  throughout  and  wholly  con- 
formable to  the  divine  law ;  whereas  even 
our  best  works  in  this  life  are  all  imperfect 
and  defiled  with  sin. 

73 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

James  2 :  10.  For  whosoever  shall  keep  the 
whole  law,  and  yet  offend  in  one  point,  he  is 
guilty  of  all. 

Isa.  64 :  6.  We  are  all  as  an  unclean  thing,  and 
all  our  righteousnesses  are  as  filthy  rags. 

Gal.  3-  10.     Ps.  143:  2. 

Question  63.  How  is  it  that  our  good  works 
merit  nothing,  while  yet  it  is  God's  will  to  re- 
ward them  in  this  life  and  in  that  which  is  to 
come? 

The  reward  comes  not  of  merit,  but  of 
grace. 

Rom.  11 :  6.  If  by  grace,  then  it  is  no  more  of 
works :  otherwise  grace  is  no  more  grace.  But 
if  it  be  of  works,  then  it  is  no  more  grace :  other- 
wise work  is  no  more  work. 

Luke  17:  10. 
Remark.    The  parable  of  the  laborers  in  the  vineyard. 
Matt.  20:  1—15,  shows  that  the  reward  is  not  given  according 
to  merit,  but  of  goodnes,  verse  15. 

Question  64.  But  does  not  this  doctrine  make 
men  careless  and  profane ? 

No,  for  it  is  impossible  that  those  who 
are  implanted  into  Christ  by  true  faith, 
should  not  bring  forth  fruits  of  thankful- 
ness. 

Rom.  6:   1,  2.     Shall  we  continue  in  sin,  that 
grace  may  abound?     God  forbid.     How  shall  we, 
that  are  dead  to  sin,  live  any  longer  therein? 
Compare  verse  15  and  18. 

74 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 
t\   i 

John  i; 


Matt.   7:    18.     A  good  tree  cannot  bring   forth 
evil  fruit. 


Of  the  Holy  Sacraments. 
25.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Gen.  17. 

Hymn  Xo.  493.     My  God,  Thy  covenant. 

Question  6$.  Since  then  we  are  made  partak- 
ers of  Christ,  and  all  His  benefits,  by  faith  only, 
whence  conies  this  faith ? 

The  Holy  Ghost  works  it  in  our  hearts  by 
the  preaching  of  the  Holy  Gospel,  and  con- 
firms it  by  the  use  of  the  Holy  Sacraments. 

MEANS    OF   GRACE    ARE    THE    PREACHING    OF    THE 
WORD   OF   GOD.   AND   THE    SACRAMENTS. 

Rom.  10 :  17.     So  then  faith  cometh  by  hearing, 
hearing  by  the  word  of  God. 
Compare  question  21  and  John  6:  29. 

Rom.  4:  11.  He  received  the  sign  of  circum- 
cision, a  seal  of  righteousness  of  the  faith  which 
he  had  yet  being  uncircumcised. 

Question  66.     What  are  the  Sacraments? 

The  Sacraments  are  visible,    holy    signs 

and  seals,  appointed  of  God    for  this    end, 

that  by  the  use  thereof  He    may  the   more 

fully  declare  and  seal  to  us  the  promise  of 

75 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

the  Gospel :  namely,  that  He  grants  us  out 
of  free  grace  the  forgiveness  of  sins  and 
everlasting  life,  for  the  sake  of  the  one  sac- 
rifice of  Christ  accomplished  on  the  cross. 

Luke  8:  15.  But  that  on  the  good  ground  are 
they,  which  in  an  honest  and  good  heart,  having 
heard  the  word,  keep  it,  and  bring  forth  fruit 
with  patience. 

1  Cor.  5  :  7.  For  even  Christ  our  passover  is 
sacrificed  for  us. 

Gen.  9:  12  ss.    Noah's  Covenant  —  the  rainbow. 

Question  67.  Are  both  these,  then,  the  Word 
and  the  Sacraments,  designed  to  direct  our  faith 
to  the  sacrifice  of  Jesus  Christ  on  the  cross,  as 
the  only  ground  of  our  salvation? 

Yes  truly;  for  the  Holy  Ghost  teaches  in 
the  Gospel,  and  by  the  Holy  Sacraments 
assures  us,  that  our  whole  salvation  stands 
in  the  one  sacrifice  of  Christ  made  for  us 
on  the  cross. 

Question  68.  How  many  sacraments  has 
Christ  appointed  in  the  New  Testament? 

Two:  Holy  Baptism,  and  the  Holy  Sup- 
per. 

Luke  22 :  19.  This  is  my  body  which  is  given 
for  you.  V.  20.  This  cup  is  the  new  testament 
in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  you. 

Rom.  6:  3.  Know  ye  not,  that  so  many  of  us 
as  were  baptized  into  Jesus  Christ  were  baptized 
into  His  death? 

76 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

Acts  2 :  41,  42.  Then  they  that  gladly  received 
His  word  were  baptized.  And  they  continued 
steadfastly  in  the  apostles'  doctrine  and  fellow- 
ship, and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 

1  John  5  :  6.     This  is  He  that  came  by  water 
and  blood,  even  Jesus  Christ;  not  by  water  only, 
but  by  water  and  blood. 
Cf.  John  19:  34. 

The  Old  Testament  also  has  only  two  sacraments,  circum- 
cision and  passover. 

Of  Holy  Baptism. 
26.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:   2  Kings  5:  1-14.     Naaman. 
Hymn  No.  510.     Sing  of  Jesus. 

Question  69.  How  is  it  signified  and  sealed 
unto  thee  in  Holy  Baptism,  that  thou  hast  part 
in  the  one  sacrifice  of  Christ  on  the  cross? 

Thus :  that  Christ  has  appointed  this  out- 
ward washing  with  water,  and  has  joined 
therewith  this  promise,  that  I  am  washed 
with  His  blood  and  Spirit  from  the  pollu- 
tion of  my  soul,  that  is,  from  all  my  sins,  as 
certainly,  as  I  am  washed  outwardly  with 
water,  whereby  commonly  the  filthiness  of 
the  body  is  taken  away. 

Institution  and  promise.    Matt.  28: 19.    Mark  16: 16. 
Luke  3  :  3.     And  he  came  into  all  the  country 
about  Jordan,   preaching  the  baptism  of   repent- 
ance for  the  remission  of  sins. 

Cf.  Acts  2:  38. 

77 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

i  Pet.  3 :  21.  The  like  figure  whereunto  even 
baptism  doth  also  now  save  us  (not  the  putting 
away  of  the  filth  of  the  flesh,  but  the  answer  of  a 
good  conscience  toward  God)  by  the  resurrection 
of  Jesus  Christ. 

i  John  i :  7.     Eph.  5 :  26,  27. 

Question  70.  What  is  it  to  be  washed  with 
the  blood  and  Spirit  of  Christ? 

It  is  to  have  the  forgiveness  of  sins  from 
God,  through  grace,  for  the  sake  of  Christ's 
blood,  which  He  shed  for  us  in  His  sacri- 
fice on  the  cross ;  and  also,  to  be  renewed  by 
the  Holy  Ghost,  and  sanctified  to  be  mem- 
bers of  Christ,  that  so  we  may  more  and 
more  die  unto  sin,  and  lead  holy  and  un- 
blamable lives. 

Ezek.  36:  25-27.  Then  will  I  sprinkle  clean 
water  upon  you,  and  ye  shall  be  clean :  from  all 
your  filthiness,  and  from  all  your  idols,  will  I 
cleanse  you.  A  new  heart  also  will  I  give  you, 
and  a  new  spirit  will  I  put  within  you :  and  I 
will  take  away  the  stony  heart  out  of  your  flesh, 
and  I  will  give  you  an  heart  of  flesh.  And  I  will 
put  my  spirit  within  you,  and  cause  you  to  walk 
in  my  statutes,  and  ye  shall  keep  my  judgments, 
and  do  them. 

1  Pet.  1 :  2.  Rev.  7 :  14.  Zech.  13 :  1.  Heb.  9 :  14- 

Question  71.  Where  has  Christ  promised,  thai 
we  are  as  certainly  washed  with  His  blood  and 
Spirit  as  with  the  water  of  Baptism? 

In  the  institution  of  Baptism,  which  runs 

78 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

thus :  Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations, 
baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  He 
that  believeth  and  is  baptized,  shall  be 
saved;  but  he  that  believeth  not,  shall  be 
damned.  This  promise  is  also  repeated, 
where  the  Scripture  calls  Baptism  the  wash- 
ing of  regeneration,  and  the  washing  away 
of  sins. 

Matt.  28  :  19.     Titus  3  :  5. 


27.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    1  Cor.  10:  1-12. 

Hymn  No.  512.     Shepherd  of  tender  youth. 

Question  72.  Is  then  the  outward  washing 
with  water  itself  the  washing  away  of  sins? 

No ;  for  only  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ 
and  the  Holy  Spirit  cleanse  us  from  all  sin. 

Matt.  3:  11.  I  indeed  baptize  you  with  water 
unto  repentance :  but  He  that  cometh  after  me 
is  mightier  than  I,  whose  shoes  I  am  not  worthy 
to  bear :  He  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  with  fire. 

1  Pet.  3:  31.     1  Cor.  6:  11. 

Question  73.  Why,  then,  doth  the  Holy  Ghost 
call  Baptism  the  washing  of  regeneration,  and 
the  washing  away  of  sins? 

79 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

God  speaks  thus  not  without  great  cause : 
namely,  not  only  to  teach  us  thereby  that 
like  as  the  filthiness  of  the  body  is  taken 
away  by  water,  so  our  sins  also  are  taken 
away  by  the  blood  and  Spirit  of  Christ ;  but 
much  more,  that  by  this  divine  pledge  and 
token  He  may  assure  us,  that  we  are  as 
really  washed  from  our  sins  spiritually,  as 
our  bodies  are  washed  with  water. 

Titus  3 :  5. 

Rem.  According  to  these  two  questions  baptism  without 
faith  has  no  promise.  The  word  "we"  throughout  the  Catechism 
refers  to  the  believers. 

Question  74.    Are  infants  also  to  be  baptized? 

Yes.  For  since  they,  as  well  as  their 
parents,  belong  to  the  covenant  and  people 
of  God,  and  both  redemption  from  sin  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  who  works  faith,  are 
through  the  blood  of  Christ  promised  to 
them  no  less  than  to  their  parents :  they  are 
also  by  Baptism,  as  a  sign  of  the  Covenant, 
to  be  ingrafted  into  the  Christian  Church, 
and  distinguished  from  the  children  of  un- 
believers, as  was  done  in  the  Old  Testament 
by  Circumcision,  in  place  of  which  in  the 
New  Testament  Baptism  is  appointed. 

Gen.   17:  7.     And  I  will  establish  my  covenant 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

between  me  and  thee  and  thy  seed  after  thee 
throughout  their  generations  for  an  everlasting 
covenant,  to  be  a  God  unto  Thee  and  to  thy  seed 
after  thee. 

Joel  2:16.     1  Cor.  7 :  14. 

Matt.  19:  14.  Suffer  little  children,  and  for- 
bid them  not,  to  come  unto  me :  for  of  such  is 
the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Acts  2 :  39.  For  the  promise  is  unto  you,  and 
to  your  children. 

Circumcision  in  the  Old  Testament:  Gen.  17: 12.  13. 
Circumcision  in  the  New  Testament:  Col.  2: 11. 12,  in  whom 
also  ye  are  circumcised  with  the  circumcision  made  without 
hands,  in  putting  off  the  body  of  sins  of  the  flesh  by  the  circum- 
cision of  Christ:  buried  with  Him  in  baptism. 

Ps.  22: 11.  Acts  10:  47.  At  the  pouring  out  of  the  Spirit 
and  baptism  in  the  house  of  Cornelius  the  whole  household 
was  included,  the  children  not  excepted;  so  was  that  of  the 
jailer  at  Philippi,  Acts  16:  31.  32,  and  that  of  Lydia,  mentioned 
in  the  same  chapter.  Likewise  salvation  was  declared  for  the 
whole  house  of  Zacchaeus,  Luke  19. 

Of  the  Holy  Supper  of  the  Lord. 
28.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Gen.  14:  17-20. 

Hymn  No.  521.    'Twas  on  that  dark  and. 

Question  75.  How  is  it  signified  and  sealed 
unto  thee  in  the  Holy  Supper,  that  thou  dost 
partake  of  the  one  sacrifice  of  Christ  on  the 
cross  and  all  His  benefits ? 

Thus;  that  Christ   has    commanded    me 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

and  all  believers  to  eat  of  this  broken  bread, 
and  to  drink  of  this  cup,  and  has  joined 
therewith  these  promises:  First,  that  His 
body  was  offered,  and  broken  on  the  cross 
for  me,  and  His  blood  shed  for  me,  as  cer-* 
tainly  as  I  see  with  my  eyes  the  bread  of  the 
Lord  broken  for  me,  and  the  cup  communi- 
cated to  me ;  and  further,  that,  with  His  cru- 
cified body  and  shed  blood,  He  Himself 
feeds  and  nourishes  my  soul  to  everlasting 
life,  as  certainly  as  I  receive  from  the  hand 
of  the  minister,  and  taste  with  my  mouth, 
the  bread  and  cup  of  the  Lord,  which  are 
given  me  as  certain  tokens  of  the  body  and 
blood  of  Christ. 

Matt.  26:  26-28.  And  as  they  were  eating, 
Jesus  took  bread,  and  blessed  it,  and  brake  it, 
and  gave  it  to  the  disciples,  and  said,  Take,  eat; 
this  is  my  body.  And  He  took  the  cup,  and  gave 
thanks,  and  gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all 
of  it;  for  this  is  my  blood  of  the  new  testament, 
which  is  shed  for  many  for  the  remission  of  sins. 

Mark  14:  22-24. 

Luke  22 :  19,  20.  And  He  took  bread,  and  gave 
thanks,  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it  unto  them,  say- 
ing, This  is  my  body  which  is  given  for  you : 
this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.  Likewise  also 
the  cup  after  the  supper,  saying,  This  cup  is  the 
new  testament  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for 
you. 

Question  76.  What  is  it  to  eat  the  crucified 
body  and  drink  the  shed  blood  of  Christ? 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

It  is  not  only  to  embrace  with  a  believing 
heart  all  the  sufferings  and  death  of  Christ, 
and  thereby  to  obtain  the  forgiveness  of 
sins  and  life  eternal;  but  moreover  also,  to 
be  so  united  more  and  more  to  His  sacred 
body  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  who  dwells  both  in 
Christ  and  in  us,  that  although  He  is  in 
heaven,  and  we  on  the  earth,  we  are  never- 
theless flesh  of  His  flesh  and  bone  of  His 
bones,  and  live  and  are  governed  for  ever 
by  one  Spirit,  as  members  of  the  same  body 
are  by  one  soul. 

John  6:  54.  Whoso  eateth  My  flesh,  and  drink- 
eth  My  blood,  hath  eternal  life. 

This  whole  chapter  (6)  treats  of  the  first  part  of  the  fore- 
going question. 

i  Cor.  10:  16.  The  cup  of  blessing  which  we 
bless,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  blood  of 
Christ?  The  bread  which  we  break,  is  it  not  the 
communion  of  the  body  of  Christ? 

Eph.  5 :  30.  We  are  members  of  His  body,  of 
His  flesh,  and  of  His  bones. 

That  our  union  and  communion  with  Christ  in  the  Lord's 
Supper  is  not  bodily,  but  spiritual,  as  the  Catechism  teaches  in 
the  words  "By  the  Holy  Ghost",  we  learn  from  the  following 
verses:  I.  Cor.  12:  13,  By  one  Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  one 
body and  have  been  all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit. 

I.  Cor.  10:  4.    Spiritual  drink. 

Col.  3:1.     If  ye  then  be  risen  with  Christ,  seek 
83 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

those  things  which  are  above,  where  Christ  sit- 
teth  on  the  right  hand  of  God. 

i  Cor.  n:  26.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this 
bread  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord's 
death  till  He  come. 

He  is  therefore  not  present  in  the  Lord's  Supper  in  a  bodily 
sense,  or  it  would  not  say,  "till  He  come." 

Question  77.  Where  has  Christ  promised  that 
He  will  thus  feed  and  nourish  believers  with  His 
body  and  blood,  as  certainly  as  they  eat  of  this 
broken  bread  and  drink  of  this  cup? 

In  the  institution  of  the  Supper,  which 
runs  thus :  The  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  same 
night,  in  which  He  was  betrayed,  took 
bread;  and  when  He  had  given  thanks,  He 
brake  it,  and  said:  Take,  eat,  this  is  My 
body,  which  is  broken  for  you;  this  do  in 
remembrance  of  Me.  After  the  same  man- 
ner also  He  took  the  cup,  when  He  had 
supped,  saying:  This  cup  is  the  New  Testa- 
ment in  My  blood:  This  do  ye  as  often  as 
ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  Me.  For 
as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this 
cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord's  death  till  He 
come. 

84 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

And  this  promise  is  repeated  also  by  St. 
Paul,  where  he  says:  The  cup  of  blessing 
which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  communion  of 
the  blood  of  Christ?  The  bread  which  we 
break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  body 
of  Christ?  For  we,  being  many,  are  one 
bread,  and  one  body:  for  we  are  all  partak- 
ers of  that  one  bread. 

i  Cor.  ii  :  23-26.     Chap.  10:  16,  17. 

Translated  more  exactly,  it  is  "a"'  communion  and  not 
"the"  communion. 

29.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:   John  6:  52-69. 

Hymn  No.  igo.     Come,  ye  disconsolate. 

Question  78.  Do  then  the  bread  and  wine  be- 
come the  real  body  and  blood  of  Christ? 

No:  but  as  the  water,  in  Baptism,  is  not 
changed  into  the  blood  of  Christ,  nor  be- 
comes the  washing  away  of  sins  itself,  being 
only  the  divine  token  and  assurance  thereof, 
so  also,  in  the  Lord's  Supper,  the  sacred 
bread  does  not  become  the  body  of  Christ 
itself,  though  agreeably  to  the  nature  and 
usage  of  sacraments  it  is  called  the  body  of 
Christ. 

1  Cor.  10:  17.     For  being  many  are  one  bread, 
85 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

and  one  body:    for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that 
one  bread. 

After  the  institutional  words  it  is  here  expressly  called 
"bread",  it  has,  therefore,  not  been  changed. 

Matt.  26:  29.  I  will  not  drink  henceforth  of 
this  fruit  of  the  vine,  until  that  day  when  I 
drink  it  new  with  you  in  My  Father's  kingdom. 

I.  Cor.  11:  26—28,  after  the  institutional  words,  it  is  still 
called  bread  and  cup. 

Agreeably  to  the  nature  and  usage  of  sacraments  Gen.  17: 
10.  11,  Circumcision  is  called  the  covenant,  Ex.  12:  11,  the  lamb 
is  called  the  passover,  I.  Cor.  11:  25,  the  cup  is  called  the  new 
testament. 

Question  79.  Why  then  doth  Christ  call  the 
bread  His  body,  and  the  cup  His  blood,  or  the 
New  Testament  in  His  blood;  and  St.  Paul,  the 
communion  of  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ f 

Christ  speaks  thus  not  without  great 
cause :  namely,  not  only  to  teach  us  thereby, 
that,  like  as  bread  and  wine  sustain  this 
temporal  life,  so  also  His  crucified  body  and 
shed  blood  are  the  true  meat  and  drink  of 
our  souls  unto  life  eternal ;  but  much  more, 
by  this  visible  sign  and  pledge  to  assure  us, 
that  we  are  as  really  partakers  of  His  true 
body  and  blood,  through  the  working  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  as  we  receive  by  the  mouth  of 
the  body  these  holy  tokens  in  remembrance 
of  Him;  and  that  all  His    sufferings    and 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

obedience  are  as  certainly  our  own,  as  if  we 
had  ourselves  suffered  and  done  all  in  our 
own  person. 

John  6:  54-56.  Whoso  eateth  my  flesh,  and 
drinketh  my  blood,  hath  eternal  life;  and  I  will 
raise  him  up  at  the  last  day.  For  my  flesh  is 
meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  drink  indeed.  He 
that  eateth  my  flesh,  and  drinketh  my  blood, 
dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in  him. 

John  6:  55,  56.     1  Cor.  10:  16. 

30.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Dan.  12:  31-39. 
Hymn  No.  279.     Abide  with  me. 

Question  80.  What  difference  is  there  between 
the  Lord's  Supper  and  the  Popish  Mass? 

The  Lord's  Supper  testifies  to  us,  that  we 
have  full  forgiveness  of  all  our  sins  by  the 
one  sacrifice  of  Jesus  Christ,  which  He 
Himself  has  once  accomplished  on  the 
cross ;  and  that  by  the  Holy  Ghost  we  are 
ingrafted  into  Christ,  who  with  His  true 
body  is  now  in  heaven  at  the  right  hand  of 
the  Father,  and  is  to  be  there  worshiped. 
But  the  Mass  teaches,  that  the  living  and 
the  dead  have  not  forgiveness  of  sins 
through  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  unless 
Christ  is  still  daily  offered  for  them  by  the 
priests ;  and  that  Christ  is  bodily  under  the 

87 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

form  of  bread  and  wine,  and  is  therefore  to 
be  worshiped  in  them.  And  thus  the  Mass 
at  bottom  is  nothing  else  than  a  denial  of 
the  one  sacrifice  and  passion  of  Jesus 
Christ,  and  an  accursed  idolatry. 

Rem.  The  last  sentence  is  wanting  in  the  very  first  edition 
of  the  Catechism,  but  was  added  in  the  first  year  (1563)  by  the 
direction  of  the  authorities,  and  it  has  since  been  generally  ac- 
cepted by  the  Reformed  Church. 

Heb.  10 :  10,  12,  14.  By  the  which  will  are  we 
sanctified  through  the  offering  of  the  body  of 
Jesus  Christ  once  for  all.  But  this  man,  after 
He  had  offered  one  sacrifice  for  sins  for  ever, 
sat  down  on  the  right  hand  of  God.  For  by  one 
offering  He  hath  perfected  for  ever  them  that 
are  sanctified. 

Matt.  4:  10.  Then  saith  Jesus  unto  him,  Get 
thee  hence,  Satan :  for  it  is  written,  Thou  shalt 
worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  Him  only  shalt 
thou  serve. 

Heb.  7:27.    Heb.  8:1.    John  4:  23,  24. 

Rem.  The  Roman  Catholic  doctrine  of  the  Mass  is  given 
in  In  Canone  Missae,  Concil.    Trid.  Sess.  13,  5. 

Question  81.  Who  are  to  come  unto  the  table 
of  the  Lord? 

Those  who  are  displeased  with  them- 
selves for  their  sins,  yet  trust  that  these  are 
forgiven  them,  and  that  their  remaining  in- 
firmity is  covered  by  the  passion  and  death 
of  Christ;  who  also  desire  more  and  more 
to  strengthen  their  faith  and  amend  their 

88 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

life.     But   the    impenitent    and    hypocrites 
eat  and  drink  judgment  to  themselves. 

a)  Preparation  for  the  Lord's  Supper. 

i  Cor.  n:  28,  29.  But  let  a  man  examine  him- 
self, and  so  let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink 
of  that  cup.  For  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh 
unworthily,  eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  to 
himself,  not  discerning  the  Lord's  body. 

Ps.  51 :  3.  For  I  acknowledge  my  transgres- 
sions :  and  my  sin  is  ever  before  me.  Verse  17. 
The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit:  A 
broken  and  a  contrite  heart,  O  God,  Thou  wilt 
not  despise. 

Luke  15:  21.  Father,  I  have  sinned  against 
heaven,  and  in  Thy  sight,  and  I  am  no  more 
worthy  to  be  called  thy  son. 

b)  Communion. 

Is.  55 :  1.  Ho,  ever>  one  that  thirsteth,  come  ye 
to  the  waters,  and  he  that  hath  no  money;  come 
ye,  buy,  and  eat ;  yea,  come,  buy  wine  and  milk 
without  money  and  without  price. 

John  7 :  2>7,  3&  In  the  last  day,  that  great  day 
of  the  feast,  Jesus  stood  and  cried,  saying,  If 
any  man  thirst,  let  him  come  unto  me,  and  drink. 
He  that  believeth  on  me,  as  the  Scripture  hath 
said,  out  of  his  belly  shall  flow  rivers  of  living 
water. 

c)  Thanksgiving. 

Ps.  103:  1-4.    Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and 
all  that  is  within  me  bless  His  holy  name!     Bless 
the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  forget  not  all  His  ben- 
H9 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

efits.  Who  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities.  Who 
healeth  all  thy  diseases.  Who  redeemeth  thy  life 
from  destruction.  Who  crowneth  thee  with  lov- 
ingkindness  and  tender  mercies. 

Question  82.  Are  they  then  also  to  be  ad- 
mitted to  this  Supper,  who  show  themselves  to 
be,  by  their  confession  and  life,  unbelieving  and 
ungodly? 

No:  for  by  this  the  covenant  of  God  is 
profaned,  and  His  wrath  provoked  against 
the  whole  congregation;  wherefore  the 
Christian  Church  is  bound,  according  to  the 
order  of  Christ  and  His  Apostles,  by  the 
office  of  the  keys  to  exclude  such  persons, 
until  they  amend  their  life. 

Matt.  7 :  6.  Give  not  that  which  is  holy  unto 
the  dogs,  neither  cast  ye  your  pearls  before 
swine. 

1  Cor.  11:  30-32.  For  this  cause  many  are 
weak  and  sickly  among  you,  and  many  sleep. 
For  if  we  would  judge  ourselves,  we  should  not 
be  judged.  But  when  we  are  judged,  we  are 
chastened  of  the  Lord,  that  we  should  not  be  con- 
demned with  the  world. 

Titus  3:  10,  11.     Matt.  18:  17.    2  Thess.  3:  6. 

Judas  was  purposely  sent  away  by  the  Lord  during  the  eat- 
ing of  the  passover,  that  is  before  the  institution  of  the  Lord's 
Supper.    Jn.  13:  30. 

90 


Of  Man's  Redemption. 

31.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    John  20:   19-23. 

Hymn  No.  sgi.     God  of  all  power. 

Question  83.     What  is  the  Office  of  the  Keys? 

The  Preaching  of  the  Holy  Gospel  and 
Church  Discipline ;  by  which  two  things, 
the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  opened  to  believ- 
ers and  shut  against  unbelievers. 

THE    SERMON,    ITS    CONTENTS    AND    METHOD. 

Matt.  16:  19.  And  I  will  give  unto  thee  the 
keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven :  and  whatsoever 
thou  shalt  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in  heav- 
en :  and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on  earth 
shall  be  loosed  in  heaven. 

John  20:  23  and  Matt.  18: 17.  18  show  that  the  keys  were  not 
only  given  to  Peter,  but  also  to  all  the  apostles. 

Luke  24 :  46,  47.  Thus  it  behooved  Christ  to 
suffer,  and  to  rise  from  the  dead  the  third  day : 
and  that  repentance  and  remission  of  sins  should 
be  preached  in  His  name  among  all  nations,  be- 
ginning at  Jerusalem. 

1  Cor.  1 :  23,  24.  But  we  preach  Christ  cruci- 
fied, unto  the  Jews  a  stumbling-block,  and  unto 
the  Greeks  foolishness;  but  unto  them  which  are 
called,  both  Jews  and  Greeks,  Christ  the  power 
of  God,  and  the  wisdom  of  God. 

Question  84.  How  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
opened  and  shut  by  the  Preaching  of  the  Holy 
Gospel? 

91 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

In  this  way :  that  according  to  the  com- 
mand of  Christ,  it  is  proclaimed  and  openly 
witnessed  to  believers,  one  and  all,  that  as 
often  as  they  accept  with  true  faith  the 
promise  of  the  Gospel,  all  their  sins  are 
really  forgiven  them  of  God  for  the  sake  of 
Christ's  merits ;  and  on  the  contrary,  to  all 
unbelievers  and  hypocrites,  that  the  wrath 
of  God  and  eternal  condemnation  abide  on 
them,  so  long  as  they  are  not  converted; 
according  to  which  witness  of  the  Gospel, 
will  be  the  judgment  of  God  both  in  this 
life  and  in  that  which  is  to  come. 

Acts  10 :  43.  To  Him  give  all  the  prophets 
witness,  that  through  His  name  whosoever  be- 
lieveth  in  Him  shall  receive  remission  of  sins. 

Is.  58:  1.  Cry  aloud,  spare  not,  lift  up  thy 
voice  like  a  trumpet,  and  declare  unto  my  people 
their  transgression,  and  to  the  house  of  Jacob 
their  sins. 

Luke  24:  47.     Rom.  10:  17. 

Nathan's  sermon :  2  Sam.  12. 

2  Cor.  2:  15,  16.  For  we  are  unto  God  a  sweet 
savour  of  Christ,  in  them  that  are  saved,  and  in 
them  that  perish :  to  the  one  we  are  the  savour 
of  death;  and  to  the  other  the  savour  of  life 
unto  life. 

2  Tim.  4:  2.     1  Tim.  5:  20. 

Question  85.  How  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
shut  and  opened  by  Church  Discipline ? 

In  this  way:   that  according  to  the  com- 

92 


Of  Man's  Redemption, 

mand  of  Christ,  if  any  under  the  Christian 
name  show  themselves  unsound  either  in 
doctrine  or  life,  and  after  repeated  brotherly 
admonition  refuse  to  turn  from  their  errors 
of  evil  ways,  they  are  complained  of  to  the 
church  or  to  its  proper  officers,  and,  if  they 
neglect  to  hear  them  also,  are  by  them  ex- 
cluded from  the  Holy  Sacraments  and  the 
Christian  communion,  and  by  God  Himself 
from  the  kingdom  of  Christ;  and  if  they 
promise  and  show  real  amendment,  they  are 
again  received  as  members  of  Christ  and 
His  Church. 

Matt.  18 :  15-17.  Moreover  if  thy  brother  tres- 
pass against  thee,  go  and  tell  him  his  fault  be- 
tween thee  and  him  alone:  if  he  shall  hear  thee, 
thou  hast  gained  thy  brother.  But  if  he  will  not 
hear  thee,  then  take  with  thee  one  or  two  more, 
that  in  the  mouth  of  two  or  three  witnesses 
every  word  may  be  established.  And  if  he  shall 
neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it  unto  the  church :  but 
if  he  neglect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  be  unto 
thee  as  an  heathen  man  and  a  publican. 

1  Tim.  5 :  19.    2  Thess.  3 :  6,  14. 

Examples:    Excommunication  and  restoration  of  the  in- 
cestuous person  in  Corinth.    I.  Cor.  5:  1—5  and  II.  Cor.  2. 


93 


THIRD  PART. 

Of  Thankfulness. 
32.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Luke  19:  2-10.     (Zachaeus.) 
Hymn  No.  459.     0  Thou  the  Lord. 

Question  86.  Since  then  we  are  redeemed 
from  our  misery,  by  grace  through  Christ,  with- 
out any  merit  of  ours,  why  must  we  do  good 
works? 

Because  Christ,  having  redeemed  us  by 
His  blood,  renews  us  also  by  His  Holy 
Spirit  after  His  own  image,  that  with  our 
whole  life  we  may  show  ourselves  thankful 
to  God  for  His  blessing,  and  that  He  may 
be  glorified  through  us;  then  also,  that  we 
ourselves  may  be  assured  of  our  faith  by 
the  fruits  thereof,  and  by  our  godly  walk 
may  win  others  also  to  Christ. 

1  Cor.  6:  20.  For  ye  are  bought  with  a  price: 
therefore  glorify  God  in  your  body,  and  in  your 
spirit,  which  are  God's. 

Matt.  5:  16.     1  Pet.  2:  12.     Rom.  12:  1,  2. 

2  Pet.  1 :  10.  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren, 
give    diligence    to    make    your    calling    and    elec- 

94 


Of  Thankfulness. 

tion  sure:  for  if  ye  do  these  things,  ye  shall  never 
fall. 

Never  fall  means  here  not  to  doubt,  but  to  be  sure  of  faith 
i  Pet.  3:  I,  2.  Likewise,  ye  wives,  be  in  sub- 
jection to  your  own  husbands;  that,  if  any  obey 
not  the  word,  they  also  may  without  the  word  be 
won  by  the  conversation  of  the  wives. 

Rom.  14: 19.    (Edification  of  one  another.) 

Question  87.  Can  they  then  not  be  saved,  who 
do  not  turn  to  God  from  their  unthankful,  im- 
penitent life? 

By  no  means :  for,  as  the  Scripture  saith, 
no  unchaste  person,  idolater,  adulterer, 
thief,  covetous  man,  drunkard,  slanderer, 
robber,  or  any  such  like,  shall  inherit  the 
kingdom  of  God. 

1  Cor.  6:  9,  10.  Be  not  deceived:  neither  for- 
nicators, nor  idolaters,  nor  adulterers,  nor  effem- 
inate, nor  abusers  of  themselves  with  mankind, 
nor  thieves,  nor  covetous,  nor  drunkards,  nor 
revilers,  nor  extortioners,  shall  inherit  the  king- 
dom of  God. 

Eph.  5:5,  6.    1  John  3:  14,  15.    Rev.  21 :  8;  22  :  15. 

33.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Matt.  5:  18-36. 
Hymn  No.  478.     Oh,  for  a  heart. 

Question  88.  In  how  many  things  does  true 
repentance  or  conversion  consist? 

In  two  things :  the  dying  of  the  old  man, 

and  the  quickening  of  the  new. 
95 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Eph.  4 :  22-24.  That  ye  put  off  concerning  the 
former  conversation  the  old  man,  which  is  cor- 
rupt according  to  the  deceitful  lusts ;  and  be  re- 
newed in  the  spirit  of  your  mind;  and  that  ye 
put  on  the  new  man,  which  after  God  is  created 
in  righteousness  and  true  holiness. 

Rom.  6:  4-6. 

Question  89.  What  is  the  dying  of  the  old 
man? 

Heartfelt  sorrow  for  sin;  causing  us  to 
hate  and  turn  from  it  always  more  and 
more. 

a)  Knowledge  of  sin. 

Jer.  3 :  13.  Know  thine  iniquity,  that  thou  hast 
transgressed  against  the  Lord  thy  God. 

The  seven  penitential  psalms  are:  6,  $2,  38,  51, 
102,  130,  143. 

b)  Repentance. 

2  Cor.  7 :  10.  For  godly  sorrow  worketh  re- 
pentance to  salvation  not  to  be  repented  of :  but 
the  sorrow  of  the  world  worketh  death. 

c)  Confession  and  Prayer  for  Forgiveness. 

Prov.  28 :  13.  He  that  covereth  his  transgres- 
sions shall  not  prosper ;  but  whoso  confesseth 
and  forsaketh  them  shall  obtain  mercy. 

d)  Hating  sin  and  turning  from  it. 

Isa.  55 :  7.  Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and 
the  unrighteous   man  his  thoughts :    and  let  him 


Of  Thankfulness. 

return  unto  the  Lord,  and  He  will  have  mercy 
upon  him;  and  to  our  God,  for  He  will  abund- 
antly pardon. 

Phil.  2:  12.  Work  out  your  own  salvation 
with  fear  and  trembling. 

Peter  wept  bitterly.    Matt.  26:  75. 

Question  90.  What  is  the  quickening  of  the 
new  man? 

Heartfelt  joy  in  God ;  causing  us  to  take 
delight  in  living  according  to  the  will  of 
God  in  all  good  works. 

Rom.  14:  17.  For  the  kingdom  of  God  is  not 
meat  and  drink;  but  righteousness,  and  peace, 
and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Rom.  7:  22.  For  I  delight  in  the  law  of  God 
after  the  inward  man. 

Question  91.    But  what  are  good  works? 

Those  only  which  are  done  from  true 
faith,  according  to  the  Law  of  God,  for  His 
glory;  and  not  such  as  rest  on  our  own 
opinion,  or  the  commandments  of  men. 

Rom.  14:  23.  For  whatsoever  is  not  of  faith 
is  sin. 

Deut.  12 :  32.  What  thing  soever  I  command 
you,  observe  to  do  it :  thou  shalt  not  add  thereto, 
nor  diminish  from  it. 

1  Cor.  10:  31.  Whether  therefore  ye  eat,  or 
drink,  or  whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of 
God. 

Num.   15:  39.      Remember    all    the    command- 
ments of  the  Lord,  and  do  them;  and  that  ye  go 
not  about  after  your  own  heart   and   your  own 
eyes,  after  which  ye  use  to  go  a  whoring. 
4  97 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Matt.  15:  9.     But  in  vain  they  do  worship  me, 
teaching  for  doctrines  the  commandments  of  men. 
I.  Sam.  15:  22.    Saul's  disobedience. 

Deut.  4:  2.    The  false  (good)  works  of  monks  and  sectari- 
ans described.    Col.  2: 18—23. 

34.  Sunday. 

Question  92.     What  is  the  Law  of  God? 
God  spake  all  these  words,  saying: 

FIRST   COMMANDMENT. 

I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  have 

BROUGHT  THEE  OUT  OF  THE  LAND  OF  EGYPT, 
OUT  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  BONDAGE.  THOU 
SHALT   HAVE   NO   OTHER  GODS   BEFORE   Me. 

SECOND    COMMANDMENT. 

Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any 
graven  image,  or  any  likeness  of  any- 
thing that  is  in  heaven  above  or  that 
is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in 
the  water  under  the  earth;  thou 
shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to  them, 
nor  serve  them.  for  i  the  lord  thy 
God  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniq- 
uity OF  THE  FATHERS  .UPON  THE  CHILDREN 
UNTO  THE  THIRD  AND  FOUPTH  GENERATION 
OF  THEM  THAT  HATE  Me;  AND  SHOWING 
MERCY  UNTO  THOUSANDS  OF  THEM  THAT 
LOVE  ME,  AND  KEEP  MY  COMMANDMENTS. 
98 


Of  Thankfulness. 

THIRD    COMMANDMENT. 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of 
the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain  :  for  the  Lord 

WILL   NOT   HOLD  HIM   GUILTLESS  THAT  TAK- 

eth  His  name  in  vain. 

FOURTH    COMMANDMENT. 

Remember  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it 
holy.     Six  days  shalt  thou  labor,  anb 

DO  ALL  THY   WORK:   BUT  THE  SEVENTH    DAY 

is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God;  in 

IT  THOU  SHALT  NOT  DO  ANY  WORK,  THOU, 
NOR   THY     SON,    NOR     THY     DAUGHTER,    THY 

manservant,  nor  thy  maidservant,  nor 
thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is 
within  thy  gates.  for  in  six  days  the 
Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea, 
and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the 
seventh  day:  wherefore  the  lord 
blessed  the  sabbath  day,  and  hallowed 

IT.. 

FIFTH    COMMANDMENT. 

Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother; 
that  thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the 
land  which  the  lord  thy  god  giveth 

THEE. 

SIXTH    COMMANDMENT. 

Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

SEVENTH    COMMANDMENT. 

Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

99 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

EIGHTH    COMMANDMENT. 

Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

NINTH   COMMANDMENT. 

Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness 
against  th^  neighbor. 

TENTH    COMMANDMENT, 

Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's 
house;  thou  SHALT  not  covet  thy 
neighbor's  wife,  nor  his  manservant, 
nor  his  maidservant,  nor  his  ox,  nok 
his  ass,  nor  anything  that  is  thy 
neighbor's. 

a)  The  Law  and  the  Gospel. 

Matt.  5 :  17-19.  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to 
destroy  the  law,  or  the  prophets :  I  am  not  come 
to  destroy,  but  to  fulfill.  For  verily  I  say  unto 
you,  Till  heaven  and  earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one 
tittle  shall  in  no  wise  pass  from  the  law,  till  all 
be  fulfilled.  Whosoever  therefore  shall  break 
one  of  these  least  commandments,  and  shall 
teach  men  so,  he  shall  be  called  the  least  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  :  but  whosoever  shall  do  and 
teach  them,  the  same  shall  be  called  great  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven. 

b)  The  relation  of  true  Christians  to  the  law. 

Rom  8:  1,  2.  There  is  therefore  now  no  con- 
demnation to  them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus, 
who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit. 
For  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus 
hath  made  me  free  from  the  law  of  sin  and 
death. 

100 


Of  Thankfulness. 

c)   The  Law   the  standard  of  sanctification. 

Rom.  3 :  31.  Do  we  then  make  void  the  law 
through  faith?  God  forbid:  yea,  we  establish  the 
law. 

Ps.  119:  9.  Wherewithal  shall  a  young  man 
cleanse  his  way?  By  taking  heed  thereto  accord- 
ing to  Thy  word. 

Ex.  20:  1-17.     Deut.  5:  6-11. 

Question  93.  How  are  these  Commandments 
divided? 

Into  two  tables :  the  first  of  wnich  teach- 
es us,  in  four  commandments,  what  duties 
we  owe  to  God;  the  second,  in  six,  what 
duties  we  owe  to  our  neighbor. 

Question  94.  What  does  God  require  in  the 
first  Commandment? 

That,  on  peril  of  my  souFs  salvation,  I 
avoid  and  flee  all  idolatry,  sorcery,  enchant- 
ments, invocation  of  saints  or  of  other  crea- 
tures; and  that  I  rightly  acknowledge  the 
only  true  God,  trust  in  Him  alone,  with  all 
humility  and  patience  expect  all  good  from 
Him  only,  and  love,  fear  and  honor  Him 
with  my  wnole  heart;  so  as  rather  to  re- 
nounce all  creatures  than  do  the  least  thing 
against  His  will. 

Question  95.     What  is  idolatry? 

101 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

It  is  instead  of  the  one  true  God  who  has 
revealed  Himself  in  His  Word,  or  along 
with  the  same,  to  conceive  or  have  some- 
thing else  on  which  to  place  our  trust. 

a)    FORBIDDEN    ARE 

I.  Gross  Idolatry. 

Ps.  81 :  8,  9.  Hear,  O  my  people,  and  I  will 
testify  unto  thee:  O  Israel,  if  thou  wouldest 
hearken  unto  me !  There  shall  no  strange  god  be 
in  thee;  neither  shalt  thou  worship  any  strange 
god. 

Deut  18 :  10-12.  There  shall  not  be  found  with 
thee  any  one  that  useth  divination,  one  that 
practiseth  angury,  or  an  enchanter,  or  a  sorcerer, 
or  a  charmer,  or  a  consulter  with  a  familiar 
spirit,  or  a  wizard,  or  a  necromancer.  For  who- 
soever doeth  these  things  is  an  abomination  unto 
the  Lord. 

2.  Refined  idolatry. 

Jer.  17:  5,  7.  Thus  saith  the  Lord:  Cursed  be 
the  man  that  trusteth  in  man,  and  maketh  flesh 
his  arm,  and  whose  heart  departeth  from  the 
Lord.  Blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  the 
Lord,  and  whose  hope  the  Lord  is. 

Matt.  6:  24.  No  man  can  serve  two  masters: 
for  either  he  will  hate  the  one,  and  love  the 
other ;  or  else  he  will  hold  to  the  one  and  despise 
the  other.    Ye  cannot  serve  God  and  mammon. 

b)  commanded: 

Matt.  4 :  10.     Thou  shalt  worship  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  Him  alone  shalt  thou  serve. 
Ps.  62:  5-7.     My    soul,    wait    thou    only    upon 
102 


Of  Thankfulness. 

God;  for  my  expectation  is  from  Him.  He  only 
is  my  rock  and  my  salvation :  He  is  my  high 
tower;  I  shall  not  be  moved.  With  God  is  my 
salvation  and  my  glory :  the  rock  of  my  strength, 
and  my  refuge,  is  in  God. 

Ps.  73:  25,  26.  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but 
Thee?  And  there  is  none  upon  earth  that  I  de- 
sire beside  thee.  My  flesh  and  my  heart  f  aileth : 
But  God  is  the  strength  of  my  heart  and  my  por- 
tion for  ever. 

35.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Deut.  4:  15-27. 
Hymn  No.  670.     Come  sing  His  praise. 
Question  96.     What  does  God  require  in   the 
second  commandment? 

That  we  in  no  wise  make  any  image  of 
God,  nor  worship  Him  in  any  other  way 
than  He  has  commanded  in  His  word. 

I.    FORBIDDEN    ARE 

a)  Gross  worship  of  images. 

Rom.  1 :  22,  23.  Professing  themselves  to  be 
wise,  they  became  fools,  and  changed  the  glory 
of  the  uncorruptible  God  into  an  image  made  like 
to  corruptible  man,  and  to  birds,  and  fourfooted 
beasts,  and  creeping  things. 

Deut.  4 :  23,  24.  Take  heed  unto  yourselves, 
lest  ye  forget  the  covenant  of  the  Lord  your 
God,  which  He  made  with  you,  and  make  you  a 
graven  image  in  the  form  of  anything  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  hath  forbidden  thee.  For  the  Lord 
thy  God  is  a  devouring  fire. 

John  4:  24.     God   is   a    Spirit:     and   they  that 
103 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

worship  Him  must  worship  Him  in  spirit  and  in 
truth. 

Isa.  40:  18.     1  Sam.  15:  23. 
This  question  also  implies,  that  all  human  images  of  God 
are  carricatures. 

Question  97.  Must  we  then  not  make  any 
image  at  all? 

God  may  not  and  cannot  be  imaged  in 
any  way ;  as  for  creatures,  though  they  may 
indeed  be  imaged,  yet  God  forbids  the  mak- 
ing or  keeping  any  likeness  of  them,  either 
to  worship  them,  or  by  them  to  serve  Him- 
self. 

John  1 :  18.  No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any 
time;  the  only  begotten  Son,  which  is  in  the 
bosom  of  the  Father,  He  hath  declared  Him. 

Isa.  40:  18.  To  whom  then  will  ye  liken  God? 
or  what  likeness  will  ye  compare  unto  Him? 

Psalm  9 :  7. 
Ex.  35:  30—35.     Bezaleel's  skill  in  depicting  creatures  is 
ascribed  to  God.  and  is  therefore  not  forbidden. 

II.  King  18:  4.  The  brazen  serpent  was  made  in  accordance 
with  God's  will;  but  when  Israel  began  to  worship  it,  it  had  to 
be  destroyed. 

Ps.  97 :  7.  Ashamed  be  all  they  that  serve 
graven  images,  that  boast  themselves  of  idols. 

Question  98.    But  may  not  pictures  be  toler- 
ated in  churches  as  books  for  the  laity t 
Laity:  ignorant  people. 

No :  for  we  should  not  be  wiser  than  God, 
who  will  not   have  His    neople    taught  by 

104 


Of  Thankfulness. 

dumb  idols,  but  by  the  lively  preaching  of 
His  Word. 

Jer.  10 :  8.  But  they  are  altogether  brutish  and 
foolish :    the  stock  is  a  doctrine  of  vanities. 

Rom.  10 :  17.  So  then  faith  cometh  by  hearing, 
and  hearing  by  the  word  of  God. 

2  Pet.  1 :  19.     Heb.  4 :  12. 

b)  Refined  worship  of  images. 

Matt.  15 :  8,  9.     This  people  draweth  nigh  unto 

me    with    their    mouth,    and    honoreth    me  with 

their  lips;    but  their  heart  is  far  from  me.  But 

in  vain  do  they  worship  me,  teaching  for  doc- 
trines the  commandments  of  men. 

2.  commanded: 

John  4:  24.  God  is  a  Spirit:  and  they  that 
worship  Him  must  worship  Him  in  spirit  and  in 
truth. 

Ps.  93  :  5.  Thy  testimonies  are  very  sure :  holi- 
ness becometh  Thine  house,  O  Lord,  for  ever- 
more. 

36.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Lev.  24:  10-16. 

Hymn  No.  334.     Holy,  holy,  holy. 

Question  99.  What  is  required  in  the  third 
commandment? 

That  we  must  not  by  cursing,  or  by  false 
swearing,  nor  yet  by  unnecessary  oaths,  pro- 
fane or  abuse  the  name  of  God;  nor  even 
by  our  silence  and  connivance  be  partakers 
of  these  horrible  sins  in  others ;  and  in  sum, 

105 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

that  we  use  the  holy  name  of  God  no  other- 
wise than  with  fear  and  reverence,  so  that 
He  may  be  rightly  confessed  and  worshiped 
by  us,  and  be  glorified  in  all  our  words  and 
works. 

Question  ioo.  Is  then  the  profaning  of  God's 
name,  by  swearing  and  cursing,  so  grievous  a  sin, 
that  His  wrath  is  kindled  against  those  also  who 
seek  not,  as  much  as  in  them  lies,  to  hinder  and 
forbid  the  same? 

Yes  truly :  for  no  sin  is  greater,  or  more 
provoking  to  God,  than  the  profaning  of 
His  name.  Wherefore  He  even  command- 
ed it  to  be  punished  with  death. 

a)  forbidden: 

Lev.  25 :  15,  16.  And  thou  shalt  speak  unto  the 
children  of  Israel,  saying,  Whosoever  curseth  His 
God  shall  bear  his  sin.  And  he  that  blasphemeth 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  he  shall  surely  be  put  to 
death,  and  all  the  congregation  shall  certainly 
stone  him. 

Lev.  19:  12.  And  ye  shall  not  swear  by  my 
name  falsely,  neither  shalt  thou  profane  the 
name  of  thy  God :    I  am  the  Lord. 

Matt.  5:  34-37.  But  I  say  unto  you,  Swear*) 
not  at  all ;  neither  by  heaven ;  for  it  is  God's 
throne;  nor  by  the  earth;  for  it  h  His  footstool: 
neither  by  Jerusalem;    for  it  is  the  city  of  the 


*)    Swear  not  at  all  —  that  is  in  common  conversation. 
The  final  clause,  But  let  your  communication  etc.  shows  this, 
106 


Of  Thankfulness. 

great  King.  Neither  shalt  thou  swear  by  thy 
head,  because  thou  canst  not  make  one  hair 
white  or  black.  But  let  your  communication  be, 
Yea,  yea;  Nay,  nay:  for  whatsoever  is  more  than 
these  cometh  of  evil. 

James  5 :  12.  But  above  all  things,  my  breth- 
ren, swear  not,  neither  by  heaven,  neither  by  the 
earth,  neither  by  any  other  oath :  but  let  your 
yea  be  yea;  and  your  nay,  nay;  lest  ye  fall  into 
condemnation. 

Lev.  5 :  1.  And  if  a  soul  sin,  and  hear  the  voice 
of  swearing,  and  is  a  witness,  whether  he  hath 
seen  or  known  of  it;  if  he  do  not  utter  it,  then 
he  shall  bear  his  iniquity. 

Prov.  29:  24,  25.  Whoso  is  partner  with  a 
thief,  hateth  his  own  soul :  he  heareth  cursing, 
and  betrayeth  it  not.  The  fear  of  man  bringeth 
a  snare :  but  whoso  putteth  his  trust  in  the  Lord 
shall  be  safe. 

37.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Ezek.  17.    Zedekiah's  violation  of 
his  oath. 
Hymn  No.  406.     O  worship  the  King. 

Question  ioi.  But  may  we  not  swear  by  the 
name  of  God  in  a  religious  manner? 

Yes;  when  the  magistrate  requires  it,  or 
it  may  be  needful  otherwise,  to  maintain 
and  promote  fidelity  and  truth,  to  the  glory 
of  God  and  our  neighbor's  good.  For  such 
swearing  is  grounded  in  God's  Word,  and 
therefore  was  rightly  used  by  the  saints  in 
the  Old  and  New  Testament. 

107 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Question  102.  May  we  swear  by  the  saints,  ffl 
any  other  creature? 

No:  for  a  lawful  oath  is  a  calling  upon 
God,  as  the  only  searcher  of  hearts,  to  bear 
witness  to  the  truth,  and  to  punish  me  if  I 
swear  falsely ;  which  honor  is  due  to  no 
creature. 

Deut.  6:  13.  Thou  shalt  fear  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  serve  Him,  and  shalt  swear  by  His 
name. 

Heb.  6 :  16.  For**  men  verily  swear  by  the 
greater :  and  an  oath  for  confirmation  is  to  them 
an  end  of  all  strife. 

Examples  of  pious  swearing:  Abraham  unto  Abimelech, 
Gen.  21:  24.  Jacob  unto  Laban,  Gen.  31:  54.  Joshua  unto  the 
Gibeonites,  Josh.  9: 15.  David  unto  Saul,  I.  Sam.  24:  22.  23  and 
unto  Bathsheba,  I.  Kings  1: 23—30.  Paul  II.  Cor.  1: 23;  Rom.  1: 9; 
Rom.  9:  I. 

Jer.  5:  7.  How  shall  I  pardon  thee  for  this? 
thy  children  have  forsaken  me,  and  Sworn  by 
them  that  are  no  gods. 

2  Cor.  1 :  23.  I  call  God  for  a  recorc  upon  my 
soul. 

Isa.  65:  16.  So  that  he  who  sweareth  himself 
in  the  earth  shall  swear  by  the  God  of  truth. 

Matt.  5:  34.  Christ  interprets  this  commandment,  that  we 
shall  not  swear  by  any  creatures. 

i  Kings  8:  31,  32, 

38.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Heb.  4. 

Hymn  No.  645.     Thine  earthly  Sabbaths. 

Question  103.     What  does  God  require  in  the 

fourth  commandment? 

108 


Of  Thankfulness. 

In  the  first  place :  that  the  ministry  of  the 
Gospel  and  schools  be  maintained ;  and  that 
I,  especially  on  the  day  of  rest,  diligently  at- 
tend church,  to  learn  the  Word  of  God,  to 
use  the  Holy  Sacraments,  to  call  publicly 
upon  the  Lord,  and  to  give  Christian  alms. 
In  the  second  place :  that  all  the  days  of  my 
life  I  rest  from  my  evil  works,  allow  the 
Lord  to  work  in  me  by  His  Spirit,  and  thus 
begin  in  this  life  the  everlasting  Sabbath. 

SIX    DAYS    SHALT   THOU    LABOR  I 

I  Cor.  9:  14.  Even  so  hath  the  Lord  ordained 
that  they  which  preach  the  gospel  should  live  of 
the  gospel. 

Gal.  6:  6.  Let  him  that  is  taught  in  the  word 
communicate  unto  him  that  teacheth  in  all  good 
things. 

GOING   TO  CHURCH  : 

Acts  2:  42,  And  they  continued  steadfastly  in 
the  apostles'  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in 
breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers. 

Acts  20:  7.  And  upon  the  first  day  of  the 
week,  when  the  disciples  came  together  to  break 
bread,  Paul  preached  unto  them. 

1  Cor.  16:  2.  Upon  the  first  day  of  the  week 
let  every  one  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  as  God 
hath  prospered  him,  that  there  be  no  gatherings 

when  I  come. 

109 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Heb.  4:  9,  10.  There  remaineth  therefore  a 
rest  to  the  people  of  God.  For  he  that  is  entered 
into  his  rest,  he  also  hath  ceased  from  his  own 
works,  as  God  did  from  His. 

Acts  2 :  46.  And  they,  continuing  daily  with 
one  accord  in  the  temple,  and  breaking  bread 
from  house  to  house. 

1  Cor.  9:  13,  14.  1  Tim.  2:  I.  Ps.  68:  26. 
Isa.  66:  23. 

39.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Ruth  1. 

Hymn  No.  688.     How  shall  the  young. 

Question  104.  What  does  God  require  in  the 
fifth  commandment? 

That  I  show  all  honor,  love  and  faithful- 
ness to  my  father  and  mother,  and  to  all  in 
authority  over  me;  submit  myself  with  due 
obedience  to  all  their  good  instruction  and 
correction;  and  also  bear  patiently  with 
their  infirmities :  since  it  is  God's  will  to 
govern  us  by  their  hand. 

a)  Duties  of  children  towards  their  parents,  of 
wards  towards  their  guardians. 

Eph.  6:  1-3.  Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the 
Lord:  for  this  is  right.  Honor  thy  father  and 
mother;  which  is  the  first  commandment  with 
promise;  that  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and  thou 
mayest  live  long  on  the  earth. 

Prov.  1 :  8,  9.  My  son,  hear  the  instruction  of 
110 


Of  Thankfulness. 

thy  father,  and  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy  moth- 
er:  for  they  shall  be  a  chaplet  of  grace  unto  thy 
head,  and  chains  about  thy  neck. 

Prov.  30:   17.      The    eye   that    mocketh    at  his 

father,    and    despiseth    to    obey    his    mother,  the 

ravens  of  the  valley  shall  pick  it  out,  and  the 
young  eagles  shall  eat  it. 

Deut.  27 :  16.  Cursed  be  he  that  setteth  light 
by  his  father  or  his  mother.  And  all  the  people 
shall  say,  Amen. 

b)  Duties  of  parents  towards  their  children. 

Eph.  6:  4.  Ye  fathers,  provoke  not  your  chil- 
dren to  wrath :  but  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 

Deut.  32:  46.  Set  your  heart  unto  all  the 
words  which  I  testify  unto  you  this  day;  which 
ye  shall  command  your  children,  to  observe  to  do 
all  the  words  of  this  law. 

Prov.  13 :  24.  He  that  spareth  his  rod  hateth 
his  son;  but  he  that  loveth  him  chasteneth  him 
betimes. 

c)  Duties  of  subjects  towards  the  authorities. 

Rom.  13:  1.  Let  every  soul  be  subject  unto  the 
higher  powers.  For  there  is  no  power  but  of 
God. 

1  Tim.  2:1,2.  I  export  therefore,  that,  first 
of  all,  supplications,  prayers,  intercessions,  and 
giving  thanks,  be  made  for  all  men ;  for  kings, 
and  for  all  that  are  in  authority;  that  we  may 
lead  a  quiet  and  peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and 
honesty. 

Ill 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

d)  Duties  of  pupils  and  church-members  towards 
their  teachers. 

I  Tim.  5 :  17.  Let  the  elders  that  rule  well,  be 
counted  worthy  of  double  honor,  especially  they 
who  labor  in  the  word  and  doctrine. 

Col.  3:  18,  20,  22.    Heb.  13:  7.     1  Pet.  5:  5. 
Examples:    Gen.  9:  20-27,  Ham,  Canaan.    John  19:  26. 

Heb.  13:  17,  18.  Obey  them  that  have  the  rule 
over  you,  and  submit  yourselves :  for  they  watch 
for  your  souls,  as  they  that  must  give  account, 
that  they  may  do  it  with  joy,  and  not  with  grief: 
for  that  is  unprofitable  for  you. 

e)  Duties  of  servants  towards  their  masters. 

1  Pet.  2:  18.  Servants,  be  subject  to  your  mas- 
ters with  all  fear,  not  only  to  the  good  and  gen- 
tle, but  also  to  the  froward. 

Cf.  verses  13,  14,  1?. 

f)   Duties  of  the  authorities,   teachers  and  mas- 
ters towards  their  subjects  and  those 
under  their  care. 

Eph.  6 :  9.  And,  ye  masters,  do  the  same  things 
unto  them,  forbearing  threatening :  knowing  that 
your  Master  also  is  in  heaven ;  neither  is  there 
respect  of  persons  with  Him. 

Ps.  82 :  3,  4.  Judge  the  poor  and  fatherless : 
do  justice  to  the  afflicted  and  destitute.  Rescue 
the  poor  and  needy:  deliver  them  out  of  the 
hand  of  the  wicked. 


112 


Of  Thankfulness. 

40.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Gen.  4.     Cain  and  Abel. 
Hymn  No.  348.    Our  God  is  love. 

Question  105.  What  does  God  require  in  the 
sixth  commandment? 

That  I  neither  in  thought,  nor  in  word  or 
look,  much  less  in  deed,  revile,  hate,  insult 
or  kill  my  neighbor,  whether  by  myself  or 
by  another ;  but  lay  aside  all  desire  of  re- 
venge ;  moreover,  that  I  harm  not  myself, 
nor  wilfully  run  into  any  danger.  Where- 
fore also,  to  restrain  murder,  the  magis- 
trate is  armed  with  the  sword. 

a)  forbidden: 

Matt.  5 :  22.  But  I  say  unto  you,  That  whoso- 
ever is  angry  with  his  brother  without  a  cause 
shall  be  in  danger  of  the  judgment:  and  whoso- 
ever shall  say  to  his  brother  Raca,  shall  be  in 
danger  of  the  council :  but  whosoever  shall  say, 
Thou  fool,  shall  be  in  danger  of  hell-fire. 

Rom.  12 :  19.     Dearly  beloved,  avenge  not  your 
selves,  but  rather  give  place  unto  wrath :    for  it 
is  written,  Vengeance  is  mine;    I  will  repay,  saith 
the  Lord. 

Rom.  12:  18,  19.  If  it  be  possible,  as  much  as 
lieth  in  you,  live  peaceably  with  all  men.  Dearly 
beloved,  avenge  not  yourselves,  but  rather  give 
place  to  wrath :  for  it  is  written,  Vengeance  is 
mine;    I  will  repay,  saith  the  Lord. 

113 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Murder  of  the  soul  is  forbidden: 

Matt.  18:  6,  7.  But  whoso  shall  offend  one  of 
these  little  ones  which  believe  in  me,  it  were  bet- 
ter for  him  that  a  millstone  were  hanged  about 
his  neck,  and  that  he  were  drowned  in  the  depth 
of  the  sea.  Woe  unto  the  world  because  of  of- 
fences !  for  it  must  needs  be  that  offences  come; 
but  woe  unto  that  man  by  whom  the  offence 
cometh. 

Question  106.  But  this  commandment  speaks 
only  of  killing  f 

In  forbidding  this,  however,  God  means 
to  teach  us  that  He  abhors  the  root  of  mur- 
der, namely,  envy,  hatred,  anger,  and  desire 
of  revenge;  and  that  all  these  are  in  His 
sight  hidden  murder. 

James  3  :  16.  For  where  envying  and  strife  is, 
there  is  confusion  and  every  evil  work. 

1  John  3:  15.  Whosoever  hateth  his  brother, 
is  a  murderer:  and  ye  know  that  no  murderer 
hath  eternal  life  abiding  in  him. 

James  1 :  19,  20. 

1  John  2:  11.  But  he  that  hateth  his  brother  is 
in  darkness,  and  walketh  in  darkness,  and  know- 
eth  not  whither  he  goeth,  because  that  darkness 
hath  blinded  his  eyes. 

Question  107.  Is  it  then  enough  that  we  do 
not  kill  our  neighbor  in  any  such  way? 

No :  for  in  condemning  envy,  hatred  and 
anger,  God  requires  us  to  love  our  neigh- 
bor as  ourselves,  to  show   patience,   peace, 

114 


Of  Thankfulness. 

meekness,  mercy  and  kindness  towards  him, 
and,  so  far  as  we  have  power,  to  prevent 
his  hurt;  also  to  do  good  even  unto  our 
enemies. 

b)  commanded:  i  cor.   13. 

Col.  3 :  12-14.  Put  on  therefore,  as  the  elect 
of  God,  holy  and  beloved,  bowels  of  mercies, 
kindness,  humbleness  of  mind,  weakness,  long- 
suffering;  forbearing  one  another,  and  forgiving 
one  another,  if  any  man  have  a  quarrel  against 
any :  even  as  Christ  forgave  you,  so  also  do  ye. 
And  above  all  these  things  put  on  charity,  which 
is  the  bond  of  perfectness. 

Rom.  12:  20.  Therefore  if  thine  enemy  hun- 
ger, feed  him;  if  he  thirst,  give  him  drink:  for 
in  so  doing  thou  shalt  heap  coals  Of  fire  on  his 
head. 

Matt  22:  39.     Rom.  12:  10.    Gal.  6:  1,  2. 
Stephen:  Act  7:  59. 

Matt.  5:  5.  Blessed  are  the  meek:  for  they 
shall  inherit  the  earth. 

Matt.  5  :  7.  Blessed  are  the  merciful :  for  they 
shall  obtain  mercy. 

41.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:   Gen.  39.    Joseph's  chastity. 
Hymn  No.  515.    Abide  with  me. 

Question  108.  What  does  the  seventh  com- 
mandment teach  us? 

That  all  unchastity  is  accursed  of  God; 
and  that  we  should  therefore  loathe  it  from 
115 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

the  heart,  and  live  chastely  and  modestly 
whether  in  holy  wedlock  or  single  life. 

Heb.  13 :  4.  Marriage  is  honorable  in  all,  and 
the  bed  undefiled. 

II.  Sam.  11.  David  and  Bathsheba.  Jude  23.  I.  Cor. 
7: 1-9. 

I  Thess.  4 :  3,  4.  This  is  the  will  of  God,  even 
your  sanctification,  that  ye  abstain  from  fornica- 
tion :  that  every  one  of  you  should  know  how 
to  possess  his  vessel  in  sanctification  and  honor. 

Question  109.  Does  God  in  this  command- 
ment forbid  nothing  more  than  adultery  and 
such  like  gross  sins? 

Since  our  body  and  soul  are  both  temples 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  it  is  His  will  that  we 
keep  both  pure  and  holy ;  for  which  reason 
He  forbids  all  unchaste  actions,  gestures, 
words,  thoughts,  desires,  and  whatever  may 
entice  thereto. 

Likewise  forbidden:    Intemperance  in  meat  and 

drink,  idleness,  evil  company,  tndecent 

songs  and  lustful  novels. 

1  Cor.  6:  18,  19.  Flee  fornication.  Every  sin 
that  a  man  doeth  is  without  the  body ;  but  he  that 
committeth  fornication  sinneth  against  his  own 
body.  What?  know  ye  not  that  your  body  is 
the  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost  which  is  in  you, 
which  ye  have  of  God,  and  ye  are  not  your  own? 

2  Cor.  7:  1.  Having  therefore  these  promises, 
dearly  beloved,  let  us  cleanse  ourselves  from  all 

116 


Of  Thankfulness. 

filthiness  of  flesh  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness 
in  the  fear  of  God. 

t  Cor.  15:  2>2>-  Be  not  deceived:  evil  communi- 
cations corrupt  good  manners. 

Eph.  5 :  18,  19.  Be  not  drunk  with  wine, 
wherein  is  excess ;  but  be  filled  with  the  Spirit ; 
speaking  to  yourselves  in  psalms  and  hymns  and 
spiritual  songs,  singing  and  making  melody  in 
your  heart  to  the  Lord. 

42.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Luke  19.     Zacchaeus. 
Hymn  No.  353.     Though  I  speak  with. 

Question  iio.  What  does  God  forbid  in  the 
eighth  commandment? 

Not  only  such  theft  and  robbery  as  are 
punished  by  the  magistrate;  but  God  views 
as  theft  also  all  wicked  tricks  and  devices, 
whereby  we  seek  to  draw  to  ourselves  our 
neighbor's  goods,  whether  by  force  or  with 
show  of  right,  such  as  unjust  weights,  ells, 
measures,  wares,  coins,  usury,  or  any  means 
forbidden  of  God;  so  moreover  all  covet- 
ousness,  and  all  useless  waste  of  His  gifts. 

FORBIDDEN. 

I  Cor.  6 :  10.  Nor  thieves,  nor  covetous,  nor 
drunkards,  nor  revilers,  nor  extortioners,  shall 
inherit  the  kingdom  of  God. 

Luke  3:  14.  Do  violence  to  no  man,  neither 
accuse  any  falsely ;  and  be  content  with  your 
wages. 

117 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

i  Thess.  4 :  6.  That  no  man  go  beyond  and 
defraud  his  brother  in  any  matter:  because  that 
the  Lord  is  the  avenger  of  all  such. 

i  Tim.  6:  io.  For  the  love  of  money  is  the 
root  of  all  evil:  which  while  some  coveted  after, 
they  have  erred  from  the  faith,  and  pierced  them- 
selves through  with  many  sorrows. 

John  6:  12.  When  they  were  filled,  He  said 
unto  His  disciples,  Gather  up  the  fragments  that 
remain,  that  nothing  be  lost. 

Prov.  11:  1.  Amos  8:  4-7.  Ps.  15:  5.  Luke 
12:  15.     Prov.  23:  20,  21. 

Question  hi.  But  what  does  God  require  of 
thee  in  this  commandment? 

That  I  further  my  neighbor's  good,  where 
I  can  and  may;  deal  with  him  as  I  would 
have  others  deal  with  me ;  and  labor  faith- 
fully, that  I  may  be  able  to  help  the  poor  in 
their  need. 

Commanded:    Industry,  contentment,   thriftiness, 
benevolence,   restitution. 

Phil.  2:  4.  Look  not  every  man  on  his  own 
things,  but  every  man  also  on  the  things  of 
others. 

Matt.  7 :  12.  Therefore  all  things  whatsoever 
ye  would  that  men  should  do  unto  you,  do  ye 
even  so  to  them :  for  this  is  the  law  and  the 
prophets. 

Eph.  4:  28.  Let  him  that  stole  steal  no  more; 
but  rather  let  him  labor,  working  with  his  hands 
the  thing  which  is  good,  that  he  may  have  to  give 
to  him  that  needeth. 

118 


Of  Thankfulness. 

Gen.  3  :  19.  In  the  sweat  of  thy  face  shalt  thou 
eat  bread. 

1  Tim.  6:  6-8.  But  godliness  with  content- 
ment is  great  gain.  For  we  brought  nothing  into 
this  world,  and  it  is  certain  we  can  carry  nothing 
out. 

Isa.  58:  7.  Is  it  not  to  deal  thy  bread  to  the 
hungry,  and  that  thou  bring  the  poor  that  are 
'cast  out  of  thy  house?  when  thou  seest  the 
naked,  that  thou  cover  him :  and  that  thou  hide 
not  thyself  from  thine  own  flesh? 

43.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    James  3.     Sins  of  the  tongue. 
Hymn  No.  484.     Jesus,  Lord,  we  look  to  Thee. 
Question  112.     What  is  required  in  the  ninth 
commandment  ? 

.  That  I  bear  false  witness  against  no  one  ; 
wrest  no  one's  words ;  be  no  backbiter,  or 
slanderer;  join  in  condemning  no  one  un- 
heard and  rashly ;  but  that  I  avoid,  on  pain 
of  God's  heavy  wrath,  all  lying  and  deceit, 
as  being  the  proper  works  of  the  devil ;  in 
matters  of  judgment  and  justice  and  in  all 
other  affairs  love,  honestly  speak  and  con- 
fess the  truth;  and,  so  far  as  I  can,  defend 
and  promote  my  neighbor's  good  name. 

Likewise  forbidden:    Flattery,  gossip,  vain-glory 
and  boastfulness,  scolding  and  abuse. 

Ps.   15  :  3,  5.     He  that  backbiteth  not  with  his 
tongue,  nor  doeth  evil  to  his  neighbor,  nor  taketh 
119 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

up  a  reproach  against  his  neighbor,   shall  never 
be  moved. 

John  7:  24,  51.  Judge  not  according  to  the 
appearance,  but  judge  righteous  judgment.  Doth 
our  law  judge  any  man,  before  it  hear  him,  and 
know  what  he  doeth? 

John  8:  44.  The  devil  is  a  liar,  and  the  father 
of  it. 

1  Pet.  4:  8.  Above  all  things  have  fervent 
charity  among  yourselves :  for  charity  shall  cover 
a  multitude  of  sins  (i.  e.  of  others). 

Pro  v.  19:5.   Luke  6:  37.  James  4:  11.   Eph.  4:25. 
The  false  witness  against  Christ.    Matt.  26:  60.  61. 
Hainan's  slander,  Esther  3:  8. 
Naboth,  I.  Kings  21: 13. 

James  3 :  2.  For  in  many  things  we  offend  all. 
If  any  man  offend  not  in  word,  the  same  is  a 
perfect  man,  and  able  also  to  bridle  the  whole 
body. 

Prov.  10:  19.  In  the  multitude  of  words  there 
wanteth  not  transgression :  but  he  that  ref  raineth 
his  lips  is  wise. 

Rom.  12 :  3.  Every  man  that  is  among  you, 
not  to  think  of  himself  more  highly  than  he 
ought  to  think. 

1  Pet.  2:  21-23.  Christ  also  suffered  for  us, 
leaving  us  an  example,  that  ye  should  follow  His 
steps :  who  did  no  sin,  neither  was  guile  found  in 
His  mouth :  who,  when  He  was  reviled,  reviled 
not  again;  when  He  suffered,  He  threatened  not; 
but  committed  himself  to  Him  that  judged 
righteously. 

Commanded:     Sincerity,   kindness,   candor, 

discretion. 
Col.   4 :   6.     Let    your    speech    be    alway    with 
grace,  seasoned  with  salt,  that  ye  may  know  how 
ye  ought  to  answer  every  man; 
120 


Of  Thankfulness. 

I  Pet.  3 :  9,  10.  Not  rendering  evil  for  evil, 
or  railing  with  railing:  but  contrariwise  blessing; 
knowing  that  ye  are  thereunto  called,  that  ye 
should  inherit  a  blessing.  For  he  that  will  love 
life,  and  see  good  days,  let  him  refrain  his 
tongue  from  evil,  and  his  lips  that  they  speak  no 
guile. 

44.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Rom.  7. 

Hymn  No.  4/1.     Alas,  what  hourly  dangers. 
Question   113.     What  is  required  in  the  tenth 
commandment? 

That  not  even  the  least  inclination  or 
thought  against  any  of  God's  command- 
ments ever  enter  into  our  heart;  but  that, 
with  our  whole  heart,  we  continually  hate 
all  sin,  and  take  pleasure  in  all  righteous- 
ness. 

Prov.  4:  23.  Keep  thy  heart  with  all  diligence; 
for  out  of  it  are  the  issues  of  life. 

James  1 :  14,  15.  But  every  man  is  tempted, 
when  he  is  drawn  away  of  his  own  lust,  and  en- 
ticed. Then  when  lust  hath  conceived,  it  bring- 
eth  forth  sin :  and  sin,  when  it  is  finished,  bring- 
eth  forth  death. 

Matt.  15:  19,  20.     Rom.  7:  7.     Ps.  139:  22. 
Josiah's  conversion  with  all  his  heart,  II.  Kings  23.  25. 

Question  114.  Can  those  who  are  converted 
to  God  keep  these  commandments  perfectly? 

No:  but  even  the  holiest  men,  while  in 
this  life,  have  only  a  small  beginning  of  this 
5  121 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

obedience ;  yet  so,  that  with  earnest  purpose 
they  begin  to  live,  not  only  according  to 
some,  but  according  to  all  the  command- 
ments of  God. 

Question  115.  Why  then  doth  God  so  strictly 
enjoin  upon  us  the  ten  commandments,  since  in 
this  life  no  one  can  keep  them? 

First,  that  all  our  life  long,  we  may  learn 
more  and  more  to  know  our  sinful  nature, 
and  so  the  more  earnestly  seek  forgiveness 
of  sins  and  righteousness  in  Christ ;  second- 
ly, that  we  may  continually  strive,  and  beg 
from  God  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  so 
as  to  become  more  and  more  changed  into 
the  image  of  God,  till  we  attain  finally  to 
full  perfection  after  this  life. 

NECESSITY  OF   SANCTIFICATION. 

I  John  1:8.  If  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin, 
we  deceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 

James  3 :  2.     For  in  many  things  we  offend  all. 

Ps.  19:13.    Eccl.  7:21.    Ps.  130:3.    1  Kings  8:  46. 

Phil.  3:  12-14.  Not  as  though  I  had  already  at- 
tained, either  were  already  perfect :  but  I  follow 
after,  if  that  I  may  apprehend  that  for  which 
also  I  am  apprehended  of  Christ  Jesus.  Breth- 
ren, I  count  not  myself  to  have  apprehended: 
but  this  one  thing  I  do,  forgetting  those  things 
which  are  behind,  and  reaching  forth  unto  those 
things  which  are  before,  I  press  toward  the  mark 
122 


Of  Thankfulness. 

for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God,  in  Christ 
Jesus. 

Rom.  7:  7.  What  shall  we  say  then?  .Is  the 
law  sin?  God  forbid.  Nay,  I  had  not  known 
sin,  but  by  the  law :  for  I  had  not  known  lust, 
except  the  law  had  said,  Thou  shalt  not  covet. 

Matt.  5 :  6.  Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger 
and  thirst  after  righteousness :  for  they  shall  be 
filled. 

Ps.  51 :  10.  Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God; 
and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me. 

1  John  1 :  9.     Ps.  32:  5.     1  Cor.  9:  24. 

Examples  of  perfection  and  imperfection  in  the  same  per- 
sons: 

Noah,  Gen.  6:  8  and  9:  21. 

David,  II.  Sam.  11  and  Acts  14: 22. 

Job.  1: 1  and  3: 1. 

Lot,  II.  Pet.  2:  7,  8  and  Gen.  19:  33. 

Peter,  Gal.  2: 11, 13  and  Phil.  3- 13. 


Of  Prayer. 
45.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Matt.  15:  21-28. 

Hymn  No.  759.     Sweet  hour  of  prayer. 

Question  116.  Why  is  Prayer  necessary  for 
Christians? 

Because  it  is  the  chief  part  of  the  thank- 
fulness which  God  requires  of  us ;  and  be- 
cause God  will  give  His  grace  and  Holy 
Spirit  only  to  such,  as  earnestly  and  with- 

123 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

out  ceasing  beg  them  from  Him,  and  ren- 
der thanks  unto  Him  for  them. 

Ps.  50:  14,  15,  23.  Offer  unto  God  thanksgiv- 
ing; and  pay  thy  vows  unto  the  Most  High:  and 
call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble :  I  will  deliver 
thee,  and  thou  shalt  glorify  me.  Whoso  offereth 
praise  glorifieth  me :  and  to  him  that  ordereth  his 
conversation  aright  will  I  shew  the  salvation  of 
God. 

Luke  11:9,  10.  Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you; 
seek,  and  ye  shall  find ;  knock,  and  it  shall  be 
opened  unto  you.  For  every  one  that  asketh  re- 
ceiveth;  and  he  that  seeketh  findeth;  and  to  him 
that  knocketh  it  shall  be  opened. 
Luke  11:  5—8.  The  friend  at  midnight. 
Luke  18: 1—8.    The  unjust  judge. 

Question  117.  What  belongs  to  such  prayer, 
as  God  is  pleased  with  and  will  hear? 

First,  that  from  the  heart  we  call  only 
upon  the  one  true  God,  who  has  revealed 
Himself  to  us  in  His  word,  for  all  that  He 
has  commanded  us  to  ask  of  Him ;  secondly, 
that  we  thoroughly  know  our  need  and  mis- 
ery, so  as  to  humble  ourselves  before  the 
face  of  His  Divine  Majesty;  thirdly,  that 
we  be  firmly  assured,  that  notwithstanding 
our  unworthiness  He  will,  for  the  sake  of 
Christ  our  Lord,  certainly  hear  our  prayer, 
as  He  has  promised  us  in  His  word. 

Matt.  4:  10.  Thou  shalt  worship  the  Lord  thy 
God,  and  Him  only  shalt  thou  serve. 

John  4:  24.     God   is   a   Spirit:    and   they  that 
124 


Of  Thankfulness. 

worship  Him  must  worship  Him  in  spirit  and  in 
truth. 

Luke  18:  13.  And  the  publican,  standing  afar 
off,  would  not  lift  up  so  much  as  his  eyes  unto 
heaven,  but  smote  upon  his  breast,  saying,  God 
be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner. 

James  1 :  6,  7.  But  let  him  ask  in  faith,  noth- 
ing wavering.  For  he  that  wavereth  is  like  a 
wave  of  the  sea  driven  with  the  wind  and  tossed. 
For  let  not  that  man  think  that  he  shall  receive 
anything  of  the  Lord. 

John  16:  23.     Ps.  27:  8.     Dan.  9:  18. 
Examples:  Hanna,  I.  Sam.  1.    Jacob,  Gen.  32.    Hezekiah, 
II.  Kings  19: 14—19.    Manasseh,  II.  Chron.  33:  12,  13.    Simeon, 
Luke  2:  25  ss.    The  congregation,  Acts  4:  24-31. 

Question  118.  What  has  God  commanded  us 
to  ask  of  Him? 

All  things  necessary  for  soul  and  body, 
which  Christ  our  Lord  has  comprised  in  the 
prayer  taught  us  by  Himself. 

James  1 :  17.  Every  good  gift  and  every  per- 
fect gift  is  from  above,  and  cometh  down  from 
the  Father  of  lights,  with  whom  is  no  variable- 
ness, neither  shadow  of  turning. 

1  Pet.  5:7.  Casting  all  your  care  upon  Him; 
for  He  careth  for  you. 

Question  119.     What  is  the  Lord's  Prayer ? 

Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven  :  Hal- 
lowed be  Thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come. 

THY   WILL   BE  DONE   IN   EARTH,   AS    IT   IS    IN 

heaven.     Give  us    this    day   our    daily 

125 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

bread.  And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we 
forgive  our  debtors.  and  lead  us  not 
into  temptation  ;  but  deliver  us  from 
evil.  For  Thine  is  the  kingdom,  and 
the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever. 
Amen. 
Matt.  6:  9  ss.     Luke  11:  2  ss. 

46.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:  Luke  11  :  1-13. 

Hymn  No.  <5<?o.     O  God,  we  praise  Thee. 

Question  120.  Why  has  Christ  commanded  us 
to  address  God  thus:    Our  Father? 

To  awaken  in  us,  at  the  very  beginning  of 
our  prayer,  that  filial  reverence  and  trust 
toward  God,  which  are  to  be  the  ground  of 
our  prayer;  namely,  that  God  has  become 
our  Father  through  Christ,  and  will  much 
less  deny  us  what  we  ask  of  Him  in  faith, 
than  our  parents  refuse  us  earthly  things. 

Gal.  4:  6.  Because  ye  are  sons,  God  hath  sent 
forth  the  Spirit  of  His  Son  into  your  hearts,  cry- 
ing, Abba,  Father. 

Matt.  7:  9-11.  What  man  is  there  of  you, 
whom  if  his  son  ask  bread,  will  he  give  him  a 
stone?  Or  if  he  ask  a  fish,  will  he  give  him  a 
serpent?  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to 
give  good  gifts  unto  your  children,  how  much 
more  shall  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven  give 
good  things  to  them  that  ask  Him? 

1  Pet.  1:  17.     Isa.  63:  16.     Eph.  3:  14,  15. 
126 


Of  Thankfulness. 

Question  121.  Why  is  it  added:  Who  art  in 
Heaven  ? 

That  we  may  have  no  earthly  thought  of 
the  heavenly  majesty  of  God;  and  may  ex- 
pect from  His  almighty  power  all  things 
necessary  for  body  and  soul. 

Acts  17:  24,  25.  God  that  made  the  world  and 
all  things  therein,  seeing  that  He  is  Lord  of 
heaven  and  earth,  dwelleth  not  in  temples  made 
with  hands;  neither  is  worshiped  with  men's 
hands,  as  though  He  needed  anything,  seeing 
He  giveth  to  all  life,  and  breath,  and  all  things. 

Rom.  10:  12.  The  same  Lord  over  all  is  rich 
unto  all  that  call  upon  Him. 

47.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Psalm  96. 

Hymn  No.  6.     God  eternal. 

Question  122.     What  is  the  first  petition  f 

Hallowed  be  Thy  name.  That  is :  En- 
able us  rightly  to  know  Thee,  and  to  hallow, 
magnify  and  praise  Thee  in  all  Thy  works, 
in  which  shine  forth  Thy  power,  wisdom, 
goodness,  justice,  mercy  and  truth ;  and  like- 
wise so  to  order  our  whole  life,  in  thought, 
word  and  work,  that  Thy  name  may  not  be 
blasphemed,  but  honored  and  praised  on  our 
account. 

Ps.   100:  3,  4.     Know  ye  that  the  Lord  He  is 
127 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

God :  it  is  He  that  has  made  us,  and  not  we  our- 
selves; we  are  His  people,  and  the  sheep  of  His 
pasture.  Enter  into  His  gates  with  thanksgiving 
and  into  His  courts  with  praise:  be  thankful 
unto  Him,  and  bless  His  name. 

Matt.  5 :  16.  Let  your  light  so  shine  before 
men,  that  they  may  see  your  good  works,  and 
glorify  your  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

Ps.  92:  1,  2.  It  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks 
unto  the  Lord,  and  to  sing  praises  unto  Thy 
name,  O  Most  High  :  to  shew  forth  Thy  loving- 
kindness  in  the  morning,  and  Thy  faithfulness 
every  night. 

James  1  :  5.     Ps.  71 :  16. 
Children  too,  praise  the  Lord:  Matt.  21:  15. 
Anthems  in  the  Old  Testament:    Moses',   Ex.  15.     Debo 
rah's,  Judges  5.    David's,  II.  Sam.  22:  4. 

In  the  New  Testament:  Zacharia's,  Luke  1:  64.  Mary's, 
Luke  1:  45.  Simeon's,  Luke  2:  29.  The  congregation's,  Acts 
4:24. 

48.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Rev.  22. 

Hymn  No.  437.     Far  as  Thy  name  is  known. 

Question  123.     What  is  the  second  petition  f 

Thy  kingdom  come.  That  is :  So  govern 
us  by  Thy  word  and  Spirit,  that  we  submit 
ourselves  unto  Thee  always  more  and  more ; 
preserve  and  increase  Thy  Church;  destroy 
the  works  of  the  devil,  every  power  that  ex- 
alteth  itself  against  Thee,  and  all  wicked 
devices  formed  against  Thy  holy  word,  un- 
til the  full  coming  of  Thy  kingdom,  wherein 
Thou  shalt  be  all  in  all. 

128 


Of  Thankfulness. 

Ps.  103 :  19.  The  Lord  hath  established  His 
throne  in  the  heavens;  and  His  kingdom  ruleth 
over  all. 

Ps.  86:  11.  Teach  me  Thy  way,  O  Lord;  I 
will  walk  in  Thy  truth:  unite  my  heart  to  fear 
Thy  name. 

The  realm  of  Nature. 

Isa.  40:  26.  Lift  up  your  eyes  on  high,  and 
see  who  hath  created  these,  that  bringeth  out 
their  host  by  number:  He  calleth  them  all  by 
name;  by  the  greatness  of  His  might,  and  for 
that  He  is  strong  in  power,  not  one  is  lacking. 

Ps.  102:  13,  14.  Thou  shalt  arise,  and  have 
mercy  upon  Zion  :  for  it  is  time  to  have  pity  upon 
her,  yea,  the  set  time  is  come.  For  Thy  servants 
take  pleasure  in  her  stones,  and  have  pity  upon 
her  dust. 

The  realm  of  Grace. 

Heb.  12:  28.  Wherefore  we  receiving  a  king- 
dom which  cannot  be  moved,  let  us  have  grace, 
whereby  we  may  serve  God  acceptably  with  rev- 
erence and  godly  fear. 

The  realm  of  Glory. 

Rev.  11:  15.  The  kingdoms  of  this  world  are 
become  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord,  and  of  His 
Christ;    and  He  shall  reign  for  ever  and  ever. 

1  Cor.  15 :  24.  Then  cometh  the  end,  when  He 
shall  have  delivered  up  the  kingdom  to  God,  even 
the  Father;  when  He  shall  have  put  down  all 
rule  and  all  authority  and  power.    Verse  28. 

Matt.  6:  33-    Ps.  51 :  20.     Rom.  16:  20. 
129 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

49.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Matt.  26:  36-46. 
Hymn  No.  745.     Thy  will  be  done. 

Question  124.     What  is  the  third  petition ? 

Thy  will  be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  in 
heaven.  That  is:  Grant  that  we  and  all 
men  may  renounce  our  own  will,  and  yield 
ourselves,  without  gainsaying,  to  Thy  will 
which  alone  is  good ;  that  so  every  one  may 
fulfill  his  office  and  calling,  as  willingly  and 
truly  as  the  angels  do  in  heaven. 

1.  The  hidden  will  of  God. 

Matt.  26:  39.  O  my  Father,  if  it  be  possible, 
let  this  cup  pass  from  me :  nevertheless  not  as  I 
will,  but  as  Thou  wilt. 

Matt.  16:  24.  Jesus  said  unto  His  disciples, 
If  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  him- 
self, and  take  up  his  cross,  and  follow  me. 

Rom.  12:  2.  And  be  not  conformed  to  this 
world:  but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing 
of  your  mind,  that  ye  may  prove  what  is  that 
good,  and  acceptable,  and  perfect,  will  of  God. 

Luke  12:  42.  Who  then  is  that  faithful  and 
wise  steward,  whom  his  lord  shall  make  ruler 
over  his  household,  to  give  them  their  portion  of 
meat  in  due  season? 

130 


Of  Thankfulness. 

2.  The  sum  of  the  will  of  God  as  fully  revealed 
by  Christ. 

John  6:  40.  And  this  is  the  will  of  Him  that 
sent  me,  that  every  one  which  seeth  the  Son,  and 
believeth  on  Him,  may  have  everlasting  life:  and 
I  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last  day. 

3.  The  executive  will  of  God. 

1  Sam.  26:  23.  The  Lord  shall  render  to  every 
man  his  righteousness  and  his  faithfulness. 

Heb.  13 :  21.  God  make  you  perfect  in  every 
good  work  to  do  His  will,  working  in  you  that 
which  is  wellpleasing  in  His  sight,  through  Jesus 
Christ;  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

50.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Matt.  6:  19-34. 
Hymn  No.  59/.     O  blessed  Lord. 

Question  125.     What  is  the  fourth  petition? 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  That 
is :  Be  pleased  to  provide  for  all  our  bodily 
need ;  that  we  may  thereby  know  that  Thou 
art  the  only  fountain  of  all  good,  and  that 
without  Thy  blessing,  neither  our  care  and 
labor,  nor  Thy  gifts  can  profit  us ;  and  may 
therefore  withdraw  our  trust  from  all  crea- 
tures, and  place  it  alone  in  Thee. 

Ps.  145 :   15,  16.      The    eyes    of    all    wait    upon 
131 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

Thee;  and  Thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due 
season.  Thou  openest  Thine  hand,  and  satisfiest 
the  desire  of  every  living  thing. 

Ps.  127 :  1,  2.  Except  the  Lord  build  the  house, 
they  labor  in  vain  that  build  it:  except  the  Lord 
keep  the  city,  the  watchman  waketh  but  in  vain. 
It  is  vain  for  you  to  rise  up  early,  to  sit  up  late, 
to  eat  the  bread  of  sorrows:  for  so  He  giveth 
His  beloved  sleep. 

Jer.  17 :  5,  7.  Thus  saith  the  Lord :  Cursed  is 
the  man  that  trusteth  in  man,  and  maketh  flesh 
his  arm,  and  whose  heart  departeth  from  the 
Lord.  Blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  the 
Lord,  and  whose  hope  is  in  the  Lord. 

Ps.  37'  25.  James  1:  17.  Acts  17:  25.  Ps.  55: 
22.     Matt.  16:  8. 

Jesus  feeds  the  hungry.  Matt.  14: 15  -21,  Chap.  15:  33-38. 
Elijah  I.  Kings  17:  2-7.    The  Temptation  of  Jesus,  Matt.  4:  3. 

51.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Matt.  18:  21-35. 
Hymn  166.    Just  as  I  am. 

Question  126.    What  is  the  fifth  petition? 

And  forgive  us  our  debts  as  we  forgive 
our  debtors.  That  is:  Be  pleased  for  the 
sake  of  Christ's  blood,  not  to  impute  to  us, 
miserable  sinners,  our  manifold  transgres- 
sions, nor  the  evil  which  still  always  cleaves 
to  us;  as  we  also  find  this  witness  of  Thy 

132 


Of  Thankfulness. 

grace  in  us,  that  it  is  our  full  purpose  heart- 
ily to  forgive  our  neighbor. 

The  seven  penitential  psalms:  6,  32,  38,  51,  102,  139,  143. 

Ps.  51:  7-9.  Purge  me  with  hyssop,  and  I 
shall  be  clean  :  wash  me,  and  I  shall  be  whiter 
than  snow.  Make  me  hear  joy  and  gladness; 
that  the  bones  which  Thou  hast  broken  may  re- 
joice. Hide  Thy  face  from  my  sins,  and  blot  out 
all  mine  iniquities. 

Matt.  6:  14,  15.  If  ye  forgive  men  their  tres- 
passes, your  heavenly  Father  will  also  forgive 
you:  but  if  ye  forgive  not  men  their  trespasses, 
neither  will  your  Father  forgive  your  trespasses. 

I.  John  1: 12.  The  publican,  Luke  18:  3.  Simon  and  Mary 
Magdalene,  Luke  7: 36—50. 

52.  Sunday. 

Bible  Lesson:    Matt.  4  :  1-11. 
Hymn  No.  784.     Bless  the  Lord. 

Question  127.     What  is  the  sixth  petition? 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation  ;  but 
deliver  us  from  evil.  That  is  :  Since  we 
are  so  weak  in  ourselves,  that  we  cannot 
stand  a  moment ;  while  our  deadly  enemies, 
the  devil,  the  world  and  our  own  flesh,  assail 
us  without  ceasing;  be  pleased  to  preserve 
and  strengthen  us  by  the  power  of  Thy 
Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  make  firm  stand 
against  them,  and  not  sink  in  this  spiritual 

133 


Heidelberg  Catechism. 

war,  until  we  come  off  at  last  with  com- 
plete victory. 

Matt.  26:  41.  Watch  and  pray,  that  ye  enter 
not  into  temptation  :  the  spirit  indeed  is  willing, 
but  the  flesh  is  weak. 

1  Pet.  5:8.  Be  sober,  be  vigilant;  because 
your  adversary  the  devil,  as  a  roaring  lion,  walk- 
eth  about,  seeking  whom  he  may  devour. 

Eph.  6:  13.  Wherefore  take  unto  you  the 
whole  armour  of  God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to 
withstand  in  the  evil  day,  and  having  done  all, 
to  stand. 

1  Thess.  3 :  13. 
The  world:  John  15: 19.    The  flesh:  Gal.  5: 17. 
Moses  and  the  Amalekites,  battle  and  prayer,  Ex.  17:  11. 

Question  128.     How  do  you  close  this  Prayer? 
For  Thine  is  the   kingdom,   and  the 

POWER,  AND  THE  GLORY,  FOR  EVER.      That  is  : 

All  this  we  ask  of  Thee,  because  as  our 
King,  having  power  over  all  things,  Thou 
art  both  willing  and  able  to  give  us  all  good ; 
and  that  thereby  not  we,  but  Thy  holy  Name 
may  be  glorified  for  ever. 

Rom.  10:  12.  For  there  is  no  difference,  for 
the  same  Lord  over  all  is  rich  unto  all  that  call 
upon  Him. 

Ps.  115:  1.  Not  unto  us,  O  Lord,  not  unto  us, 
but  unto  Thy  name  give  glory,  for  Thy  mercy, 
and  for  Thy  truth's  sake. 

John  14:  13.     1  Chron.  29  or  30:  10-12. 
134 


Of  Thankfulness. 

Question  129.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the 
word  Amen? 

Amen  means :  So  shall  it  truly  and  surely 
be.  For  my  prayer  is  much  more  certainly 
heard  of  God,  than  I  feel  in  my  heart  that  I 
desire  these  things  of  Him. 

2  Cor.  1 :  20.  For  all  the  promises  of  God  in 
Him  are  yea,  and  in  Him  Amen,  unto  the  glory 
of  God  by  us. 

Ps.  145:  18,  19.  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all 
them  that  call  upon  Him,  to  all  that  call  upon 
Him  in  truth.  He  will  fulfill  the  desire  of  them 
that  fear  Him;  He  also  will  hear  their  cry,  and 
will  save  them. 

Eph.  3:  20,  21.  Now  unto  Him  that  is  able 
to  do  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask 
or  think,  according  to  the  power  that  worketh 
in  us 

UNTO  KIM  BE  GLORY  IN  THE  CHURCH 

BY  CHRIST  JESUS 

THROUGH  ALL  AGES, 

WORLD  WITHOUT  END. 

AMEN. 


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